Jacquelyn Joyce Ward Yost was born in Thomasville, North Carolina, on March 19, 1928. She was theyoungest of two children born to Talma and Fred Ward. Jackie was predeceased by her husband, Larry Yost, her parents, and her brother, Donald Ward. She is survived by her children Cindy Yost Perret, Joy Edwards (Steve), and Steven Yost (Deborah); grandchildren Daniel Yost and Zara Yost (Justin Bowsher), step-grandson Lindsay Perret (Leigh); greatgrandchildren Kid and Vera Bowsher Yost and step-great granddaughters Charlotte and Alexandra Perret. Sports, fitness and athletic competition have defined her life since childhood. She majored in physical education at the University of North Carolina Women's College in Greensboro, class of 1949. Her first job was Recreation Center Director in Winston-Salem, NC. Subsequently, she was the girls' athletic director, coach and teacher at the Methodist Orphanage in Raleigh, NC. During her career, she taught physical education/health, dance aerobics, swimming, tennis and golf while living in Virginia, Georgia, and Florida. Jackie met the love of her life, Larry Yost, on Wrightsville Beach, NC. They shared the joy of activity, playing tennis and golf, swimming, running, and biking. After moving to Treasure Island, FL in the early 1980's, they competed in many road races (5k to half marathons). In 1993, they did their first triathlon (she was 65 years old) and joined the St. Pete Mad Dogs Triathlon club. At age 78, she completed the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Clearwater, FL. She was a USA Triathlon Age Group All American ten times and was inducted into the USA Triathlon Florida Hall of Fame. Her last triathlons were St. Anthony's and Lycra & Lace in 2019, just before Covid; she was 91 years old. Her mantras were “Show, Go, and Finish” and “Don't give up the ship!” Jackie gave back to the sport by volunteering at numerous racing events and encouraging others. Every Friday morning, she hosted an open water swim, with coffee and a potluck breakfast on her porch. Over the years, the porch gatherings became a favorite event for family, as well as for dozens of athletes, neighbors and friends – a community that will remember such kindness and generosity and will forever hold Jackie and Larry in their hearts. She was a wonderful role model for good sportsmanship, friendship, the love of competing, and a healthy lifestyle. A Celebration of her life will be scheduled at a later date.