Jackquelyn Agnor Altice
Jackquelyn Agnor Altice, 94, went to her heavenly home on Friday, October 11, 2024
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John Lewis Altice; her son, Michael Altice; and her sisters, Mittie Arrington and Fanny Love.
She retired from Elizabeth Arden after 27 years and was a lifelong member of Locust Grove United Methodist Church. She was very patriotic and never missed an opportunity to honor veterans. She was a strong, fiercely independent woman and loved “making memories” (if you know, you know.) She was God loving, encouraging, supportive and, of course, fashionable. She had exquisite taste in everything, especially clothes. Mom dressed to the nines – as Tony (her son-in-law, who also predeceased her) once put it, she always looked like she’d stepped out of a fashion magazine. She decorated her church many times, including making elegant wreaths for the doors, flower arrangements for the altar, and decorated the social hall for numerous dinners and special occasions. She would often bake lemon pound cakes and take them to church on Sunday to leave in the pew seat of that day’s recipient. No one who came to perform work at her house left without a goodie such as banana nut or zucchini bread or a delicious pound cake. Known as The Angel Lady she had a talent for creating beautiful handmade crafts such as angels, Christmas ornaments and handsewn items of her own design. She sold her crafts at many craft shows over the years and loved hawking her goods at Olde Salem Days for over 20 years where she enjoyed the socialization more than the sell.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory (and wow, what memories); daughter, Vickie Webb; beloved grandson, Ben Turner; “adopted” son, Dr. Arindam Choudhury; granddaughter, Melissa Watson and husband Ryan; great-grandson Reece Watson; her very special friend Mary Cox who called her daily and listened patiently to her tales and woes of the day and encouraged her always. She also leaves behind many special nieces and nephews and, of course, her grand fur babies, Murphy and Nala.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Gentle Shepherd Hospice whose devoted care and loving support have left an indelible mark on their hearts, especially MaryLuz and Sarah. We would also like to thank caregivers Patty Gilley, Lisa Edens and Leslie Short; Caring Companions LLC; Marcia and Gordon Jones; Karen Ellexson, Dementia Support group facilitator; the friends and family who remained faithful to call and visit Mom even in these last difficult years as she was in the throes of dementia. Vickie especially thanks Ben for his unwavering support and daily encouragement which he provided in countless ways. She also acknowledges Mike, who was a wonderful and steadfast caregiver for his Mom.
Dementia is an evil disease that robs its sufferers of quality of life and dignity and affects all of those who care for them. Our hope is that very soon research can unearth the cause and stop the devastation this disease causes its sufferers and their families and caregivers.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 13th, from 2-4PM at Simpson Funeral Home (Peters Creek). Graveside service will be Monday, October 14th at 11AM at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.
If you would like to honor her memory, donations may be made to Gentle Shepherd Charities, 6045 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke VA 24019. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Chapel. (540)366-0707.
