Jackie Mcalpin Blair

Jackie McAlpin Blair, 85, of Canyon, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024. Services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, November 1, 2024 at the First Methodist Church of Canyon with Rev. Wendell Horn and Rev. Charlie Keys officiating. Burial will follow at Dreamland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Brooks Chapel.

Jackie was born on May 9, 1939 in Iowa Park, Texas to Jack and Willie Lois (Roberson) Timberlake. She was a 1957 graduate of Levelland High School and received her Bachelor and Master of Education from West Texas State University (now WTAMU).

Jackie married W.V. McAlpin on September 19, 1959, and they had three children together. They were married for 33 years before he preceded her in death on February 22, 1993. She married Earl N. Blair on August 28, 1995, and he preceded her in death on October 13, 2022.

Jackie taught various grades and subjects in Silverton, Tulia, Muleshoe, Beeville, and returned to Canyon where she started the Vocational Occupational Education program at Canyon High School. She then worked at the Northwest Texas School of Nursing as an integral part of building the program by recruiting students from all over the United States. From there, Jackie worked as Dean of Admissions at WTSU and then retired as the Displaced Women's Counselor at Amarillo College.

Serving as a lay speaker and delegate for the United Methodist Conference, Jackie was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church. She was also a member of Alpha Delta Pi at WTSU, the WT Alumni Association, and the American Association of University Women. She was an avid supporter of WTSU and usually held season tickets to their sporting events. She loved sports and was a devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, particularly Patrick Mahomes. She also enjoyed traveling, making peanut brittle, and was passionate about shopping. She liked being involved and was always willing to volunteer to head any committee. One of her favorite pastimes was spending time at her cabin in Ruidoso.

Jackie is also preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Jerry Timberlake, and a grandson, Willie Rice.

Survivors include her children, Stacy Gatlin and husband, Randy of Amarillo, Tracy Appleman of Amarillo, and Kevin McAlpin of Lubbock; brother, Robby Timberlake and wife, Shari of Lubbock; seven grandchildren, Celeste Reese of Los Angeles, CA, Aspen Todd and husband, Tony of Richmond, TX, Colby Gatlin of Amarillo, Chase McAlpin of Lubbock, Willie Gill of Canyon, Chandler Babcock and husband, Chris of Sherman, and Caleb Gill of Canyon; and six great grandchildren, Julius Reese, Peyton, Riley, and Parker Todd, and Banx and Rush Babcock.

The family suggests memorials be to The Wesley at WT, 107 26th St., Canyon, TX 79015.