Jacquelyn "Jackie" Rich Sommerlad, 89, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2022, in Palm Coast where she had been living with family.  A graveside service of remembrance and celebration will be held Monday, March 21, at 11:00 a.m. at Daytona Memorial Park, 1425 Bellevue Ave., Daytona Beach.
Jackie was born February 9, 1932, in Daytona Beach, Florida, the youngest of nine children to Laverna Foster Rich and Elton Maurice Rich.  She is remembered by family, friends, and colleagues for her distinguished career teaching in the Volusia County School system and for her lifelong service through First Baptist Church, Daytona Beach.
Jackie graduated from Mainland High School in 1949 and attended Stetson University where she earned her Bachelor and Master's Degrees.  She began her teaching career at Holly Hill Elementary School eventually transferring to Holly Hill Junior High and then Mainland High School from which she retired in 1996.
At First Baptist Church, Jackie taught "the ladies" in Sunday School for 30 years, was active in the Women's Missionary Union, and served as the church librarian.  It was at First Baptist that Jackie met and married her husband of 58 years, Phil Sommerlad.  They built a home in Holly Hill where they lived the entirety of their marriage and raised a family.
Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Phil (1932-2017), and one son, Lincoln Sommerlad (1962-2014).  She is survived by her three remaining children: Foster Sommerlad of Daytona Beach; Jean S. Davis and son-in-law, Steve Davis, of Franklin, TN; Eric Sommerlad and daughter-in-law, Amy Sommerlad, of Palm Coast; two grandchildren, Meghan Davis and Matthew Davis; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved deeply.
One of Jackie's favorite scripture verses was I Thessalonians 5: 18, "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  She strove in all circumstances to do just that.  Today we give thanks for the life and abiding love of Jackie Sommerlad-devoted wife, loving mother, tireless mentor, and loyal friend to those who were privileged to know her.