Jaqueline “Jackie” E. Scott

Jaqueline “Jackie” E. Scott, a beloved mother, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, teacher, caregiver, mentor, and servant to her community, passed away peacefully at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the age of seventy-nine. Her life was defined by a love for people, a passion for children, a heart for service, and an unwavering belief that every person had something meaningful to offer the world.

Jackie was united in marriage to Joseph Scott in Keokuk on June 17, 1967, a partnership built on love, family, and shared commitment to faith, service, and community.

For 31 years, Jackie devoted herself to education, pouring her heart into her students and helping shape countless young lives. She was honored as Teacher of the Year for the 1994–1995 school year, a recognition that reflected not only her dedication in the classroom, but the extraordinary difference she made in the lives of the children she taught.

Her work with children extended far beyond the classroom. She was the founder of the Hope Center, New Bethel Church of Keokuk, Inertia Boys and Girls Center, Kids Zone, and the Gabriel Cadets, as well as the reorganization of Boys Scout Troop 43 and Cub Scout Pack 47. She was deeply involved with numerous other programs and organizations that gave children opportunities to learn, grow, and discover their own potential. She believed deeply in investing in the next generation and dedicated her life to creating spaces where children could thrive.

Her greatest legacy is found in the people she loved, the children she taught, the communities she served, and the lives she made better simply by being in them.

Jackie’s passion for learning and service also took her beyond her own community. Through Foreign Exchange programs, Taste of Africa, Project Christmas, and Backpacking Across the Curriculum, she helped open doors to new cultures, experiences, and possibilities. She believed that education was not confined to four walls—it was something to be experienced, shared, and lived.

She had a servant’s heart and was never afraid to roll up her sleeves when people were hurting. She participated in relief efforts in Hawaii, Mississippi, Washington, D.C., and South Dakota, offering her time, compassion, and hands to those in need. Her life was a living example of what it means to serve others.

She was also a woman of many talents and endeavors. She was a co-owner of J & S Recycling and the Inertia Boys & Girls Center, Inc.

She gave her time and energy to projects and causes that strengthened her community. She was involved in the publication of We Shall Overcome, among many other efforts that reflected her commitment to making the world a better place.

But while her accomplishments were many, the titles that mattered most to Jackie were much more personal: Mother. Daughter. Grandmother. Great-Grandmother. Sister. Caregiver. Teacher. Friend.

To her family, she was so much more than everything she accomplished. She was a source of wisdom, strength, comfort, laughter, and unconditional love. She was the person who showed up, the person who cared, and the person who could be counted on. Her love reached far beyond her immediate family, touching students, coworkers, friends, neighbors, and countless people whose lives were changed simply because she chose to care.

She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph Scott; her sons, Joseph “Jay” (Sarah) Scott and Travis (Milisa Johnson) Scott; her cherished grandchildren, Jasmine, Quinten, Josiah, Jadyn, Tyson, Paris, and Myles; eight siblings: Raymond Bradley of New York, Katherine (Ronnie) Braggs of Keokuk, Sondra Hickman of Rock Island, Illinois, Mona (Edward) Fletcher of Atlanta, Georgia, Debra (Sam) Letcher of Keokuk, Raymond (Chasity) Bradley of Hamilton, IL, Nona (Arthur) Allen of Atlanta, Georgia, and Keith (Tina) Galbreath of Keokuk; nine great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews all of whom will continue to carry her love, values, and legacy forward.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Deloras Bradley, Wallace Galbreath and Step-father Ray Bradley, her great-grandchildren in infancy, Bentley and Hadley, her brother Robert Bradley, along with other beloved family members who welcomed her home.

Her legacy cannot be measured by awards, years of service, or the number of programs she participated in. Her greatest legacy is found in the people she loved, the children she taught, the communities she served, and the lives she made better simply by being in them.

She leaves behind a family who will carry her love and lessons forward, along with countless former students, friends, colleagues, and community members who will forever remember the difference she made.

Though her earthly work is finished, the seeds she planted will continue to grow through every life she touched.

Her life was a gift. Her love was a legacy. And she will be deeply, forever missed.

A homegoing celebration will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, August 21, 2026, at New Bethel Church in Keokuk, with burial to follow at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 4 to 7 pm at DeJong-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk.

Memorials may be made to the family for a memorial scholarship fund.

DeJong-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.