Jacqueline Hooper Nelson

July 3, 1942 – August 26, 2026

Jacqueline Hooper Nelson, lovingly known as Jackie, passed away on August 26, 2026, in Columbia, South Carolina. She was born on July 3, 1942, in Tellico Plains, Tennessee.

Jackie later moved to Illinois, where she married and began raising her family. She was the devoted mother of three children: Donna Lorraine Haltiwanger (Mike); Rebecca Charlotte Nelson; and Donald Warren Nelson II.

When Jackie’s oldest brother retired, he settled in South Carolina, and she decided to pack up her children and move south. South Carolina became her home, where she built a life surrounded by family, friends, and lasting memories.

Jackie retired in 2006 from Husqvarna after 26 years of dedicated service. Her years of work reflected her commitment, perseverance, and strong work ethic, and she was blessed with many treasured friendships among her coworkers there. After retiring, she returned home to the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, a place she truly loved. In 2015, when her health began to decline, she came back to South Carolina.

Jackie loved working in her yard, gardening, and spending time in the sunshine. A true sun worshiper, she took every chance she could to be by the pool. She lit up every room with her smile and personality. She loved being surrounded by family—the more, the merrier—and when loved ones gathered, there was always food involved. Jackie was strong-willed, proud, and hardworking, giving her all to raise her children.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Justin Lloyd Simpson, Howard Michael Haltiwanger II and his wife, Jamie, Raymone Warren Dion and his father Paul; her great-grandchildren, Graycelynn Yvonne Haltiwanger, Howard Michael Haltiwanger III, and Kyle Anthony Haltiwanger; numerous nieces and nephews; and her siblings, Ruth Roland, Nancy Johnson, Carleen Wilson, Margaret Fouts and Joanne Hooper.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Ira Hooper and Myrtle White Hooper; her sister, Helen Cornmesser; her brothers, Command Sgt. Maj. Wade “Sonny” Hooper, Larry Hooper and Ralph Hooper; and Justin’s father David Simpson.

Jackie will be remembered for the love she gave, the family she cherished, the friendships she built, and the strength she carried throughout her life. Her memory will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of life will be held later. In leu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer’s foundation.