Jacquelyn Jean Boyd, born October 31, 1949, was known by most as “Jacqui.” A vibrant, artistic soul, Jacqui had a gift for making friends wherever she went. Like her beloved mother, Lois Jean, she never knew a stranger and brought warmth, laughter, and life to the people around her.

Jacqui grew up in the Chicago suburb of Lombard, Illinois, and was baptized at the First Church of Christ. She later received her high school diploma from Vardell Hall, a private school in North Carolina.

Jacqui passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, just before midnight at SLU Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. The last several years of her life were marked by difficult challenges, including falls, surgeries, and setbacks. Through it all, Jacqui remained a strong and resilient woman. She found a supportive and comfortable home at Prairie Living of Chautauqua, where she met many kind people who brought comfort and companionship into her life.

Jacqui is now at peace and reunited with her beloved mother, Lois Jean Boyd; niece, Autumn Blue Cole; father, Richard Ladd Boyd; William Adams; uncle Martin and Marilyn Vince; and so many other loved ones who went before her.

She leaves behind her son, Colin Ladd Boyd Adams; grandson, Jamison W. Boyd Adams; older brother, Jeffrey Boyd; younger sister, Jennifer Boyd; great-niece, Elliana J. Rowan; great-nephew, Michael A. Nelson; and nephew, Aaron Boyd Cole, his wife, Kelly, and their children, Archer and Milo along with her chocolate Lab Abby’. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and the many people whose lives she touched.

Jacqui was given her name by her grandmother, Evelyn, who welcomed her into the world on Halloween as the family’s little jack-o’-lantern. She could be feisty at times, but she was never afraid to speak her mind and always sought after the truth. She lived a full and colorful life, filled with adventure, creativity, and a spirit that could not easily be tamed.

From modeling in Chicago to traveling in her new baby-blue Volkswagen Beetle, Jacqui embraced life with curiosity and courage. Her adventures eventually led her to Colorado, where she spent many wonderful years surrounded by the mountains she loved so dearly. She lived up the Frying Pan River in a tent trailer and worked as an EMT. For a time, she also worked with the Aspen Police Department and operated a home management business, caring for and managing the households of various celebrities.

After her son was born in Aspen in 1991, Jacqui brought her business to Southern Illinois, where she established Boyd Building Maintenance and raised her son in Marion. Through every chapter of her life, she remained independent, resourceful, and determined to live life on her own terms.

Jacqui often spoke of how much she missed her mountains. One of her favorite quotes, by naturalist John Muir, beautifully expressed the place where her heart belonged:

“The mountains are calling and I must go.”

Another passage that spoke to her soul was:

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”

— John Muir

Jacqui’s love for the mountains never faded, and her final wishes will carry her home to the place she cherished.

A short Celebration of Life will be held at Jacqui’s favorite shelter, Giant City State Park Shelter #3, on Saturday, November 14, 2026. The gathering will be accessible ♿️, with a potluck to follow. Guests are welcome to bring a chair and beverages to share.

Jacqui’s life was one of adventure, resilience, and an unwavering love for the beauty of the world around her. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will continue to live on in the mountains she loved, the family she cherished, and the memories she leaves behind.

Ministry of Comfort was lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.