COLYOTT, Jackie

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, Arizona, Tuesday, July 08, 2014 Jackie Colyott, 89, of Roosevelt, Ariz., passed away June 30, 2014, in Payson, Ariz. She was born Oct. 29, 1924, in St. Clair, Mo., to proud parents Lee and Marie (Fisher) Lindsey. There are a lot of things most people don’t know about Jackie. She grew-up poor, living in central Missouri on a farm, with her mother, father, grandmother, two sisters and a brother. When she was a junior in high school, the family moved to St. Louis, where her father was able to get a job. Not only was Jackie beautiful, but she was also very talented. She sang and danced, and appeared at The Grand Theater in St. Louis in variety shows. During the war, she and her sister went to the West Coast to work in the factories during the day, and she performed in the USO clubs in the evenings. She was even invited by Bob Hope to go overseas in his USO show. But she was underage, and her mother wouldn’t sign for her. Who knows where that could have led? But as luck (?) would have it, she met Roye, and the next chapter in her life began. Jackie raised five kids almost single-handedly. Her family always came first, doing without, so the family could have what they needed. She did whatever she could to make their lives as enjoyable as possible, never asking for anything for herself. Growing up in the hills of Missouri, times were tough, and Roye worked away from home most of the time. Money was tight, but she always seemed to make things they did be fun. There were many times when she would cook-up several pizzas made from the commodities we got from welfare and whatever else she could find to put on them, and all the neighborhood kids would come over for a pizza party. There were weekend card games, summer trips to the ol’ swimming hole, and once in a while, if Roye left extra money, they would go to the A&W Root Beer Barrel. One time someone asked me, “what person do you most admire?” I answered, “my mom.” She was the strongest, softest, toughest, kindest person you could ever meet. She always had a ready smile and an infectious laugh, and always made you feel warm, welcomed and loved. She is my hero! Jackie’s love was unconditional. She loved each one of her children equally, but her greatest love was for her husband, Roye. She experienced a lot of joy in her life, and, great tragedy, in the loss of her youngest son, John. Jackie and Roye traveled around the country, mostly due to his work, but they still spent a lot of time hunting, fishing and camping. One of their favorite places was San Carlos Lake. Even after they bought a place in Roosevelt, they would load-up and go to San Carlos. Jackie was most proud of her children. They gave her seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her daughter, Laura Colyott-Bryant; and sons, Eddie (and Sharon), Dannie (and Gayle) and Charles. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roye; her parents, Lee and Marie Lindsey; a brother, Glenn; two sisters, Nellie and Clara; her son, John, and two great-grandsons. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at 11 a.m., at the Bulman Miles Funeral Services chapel in Globe, preceded by one hour of visitation at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Mt. View Cemetery [Mountain Breeze]. Those not able to attend may sign her guestbook at www.BulmanMiles.com.