Jackie Terpstra

When reflecting on the life of Jackie Terpstra, it is easy to see the deep love she had for her family. Although she treasured her roles as a wife and mother, she just might have argued that nothing was better than becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother later in life. Jackie was the kind of person who was happy all the time, and she never had an unkind word to say about anyone. She was so much fun to be around, and her zest for life was contagious to all who were near. Deeply loved, Jackie will be forever missed. The 1950s were an exciting time in American history. Televisions were booming part of our homes, and as a result shows like I Love Lucy and Father Knows Best changed the way we looked at the average American family. Elvis Presley introduced the world to the sounds of rock 'n roll, and by the end of the decade Alaska and Hawaii become our 49th and 50th states. It was just as this decade was dawning that Jackie was born to Nellie Bergeon on June 10, 1950. Raised by adoptive parents, Russell and Shirley Franks, she also had her brothers, Lloyd, Jim, and Fred, Randy, Greg, Tom and Charles and her sisters, Diane, Kimberly and Linda. Born and raised in Vicksburg, Michigan, Jackie was a young girl of her generation. Ramona Park was also a regular hangout for Jackie as a girl. There was never anything of greater importance to Jackie than her loved ones. She was blessed to welcome her son, Bob, into her heart and home. She later had a daughter Lorraine on Aug. 29, 1969 who, sadly passed way when she was only 6 weeks old. Jackie later became a grandmother to three grandchildren and she couldn't have been more thrilled. It was while working at Tully Enterprises that she met the love of her life. His name was Jeff Terpstra, and it didn't take them long to fall in love after meeting in 1989. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Jackie and Jeff were married on December 1, 1989, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a love story that would span nearly 30 years together. As her family and friends can attest, her dogs were like additional family members to Jackie, and they always had nicknames, too. She was happiest when with her family, and when she couldn't see them in person she was keeping up with them by text. In fact, Jackie could often be found texting family members and friends, especially her grandchildren. Jackie lovingly cared for three of her grandchildren from 2000 - 2002. As great-grandchildren came along, Jackie was an active part of their lives and made a point of keeping up with them all. Throughout her life Jackie was a bustle of activity and a woman with many interests. Within her community, she attended Vicksburg Bible Church for many years. Jackie didn't travel much, but she did make a trip to Montana for best friend's wedding. She had also been in Colorado to celebrate her birthday as well as Heaven's sweet 16. Jackie became a NASCAR fan when she married Jeff and she loved going to the races whenever she could. When she couldn't get there in person she usually watched the races on television, although she somewhat did lose interest when Jeff Gordon retired. Jackie also enjoyed watching NCIS and various reality shows. Creative by nature, she loved paint by number and doing puzzles with her grandchildren. All who knew Jackie Terpstra would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was loving and caring with a spirit of generosity that was unmatched. Jackie considered being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to be both her highest calling and her richest blessing. Life will never be the same without her here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps. Jackie Terpstra of Vicksburg, born June 10, 1950, and passed suddenly while visiting family in Colorado on June 18, 2019. Jackie is survived by her husband of 30 years, Jeff Terpstra; her son: Bob Adams (Stacey); brother-in-law Bradley Terpstra, her grandchildren: Laura Adams (Eric), Nikki Price (Kareem), and Bobby Adams (Heather) and Dakotah Adams. She is also survived by her great grandchildren: Heaven, Skei, Anthony, Tristin, Stormy, Haiden, Trinten, Paeyton, Jai'lea, Alei'a; her siblings: Jim Ames, Linda Butler, Randy Franks, Greg Franks, Tom Franks, Kimberly Kiser, Janice Bergeon Sparks, Charles Bergeon and Fred Bergeon as well as her special daughter in law Edith Adams. She is preceded in death by her mother: Nellie Bergeon; her adopted parents: Russell & Shirley Franks; brother Lloyd Clark and sister Diane Barker. She will always be known for the love that she had for her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Please visit Jackie's webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can read his life story, sign the guestbook, and share a memory. The family is being assisted by the McCowen & Secord Family Funeral Home, 409 S. Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269-649-1697).