Jackie Fern Warren, 81, passed peacefully from this life into the arms of her Lord and Savior on May 13, 2026, after walking a long and courageous journey with ALS. Known for her calm and steady presence, her quiet elegance, and the fierce love she held for her family, Jackie was the kind of woman who made every room feel warmer and every person within it feel seen. She will be remembered as a devoted mother, a cherished friend, and a steadfast woman of grace.

Jackie was born on January 11, 1945 in San Saba, Texas, to JT and Melba (Walker) Whitt. She grew up in the small communities of San Saba and McGregor, where she formed bonds that would last a lifetime. She graduated from McGregor High School with the Class of 1963, and to this day many of those childhood friendships never faded. The warmth of small-town Texas stayed with her always, and she carried it with her when she made her way to Houston in 1968, beginning a new chapter in the city she would call home.

Jackie built a distinguished career as an Executive Assistant at IBM, where she was known for her sharp mind, meticulous attention to detail, and quiet professionalism. She gave over four decades of dedication to her work before retiring in 2010 — a chapter in her life marked by excellence and the same steadiness she brought to everything she did. If there was a question raised, the response was always, “Ask Jackie.”

Away from the office, Jackie’s heart came alive in her garden, among her family, and in the stands cheering on her beloved Texas Aggies. She was, by every measure, a college football super fan — one who could hold her own in any conversation with her remarkable command of players, statistics, and game details. Whether it was Aggie football, Aggie baseball, or rooting for the Houston Astros, she brought the same wholehearted enthusiasm to every game. Jackie and her husband Charlie shared a special joy in the simple pleasures of life together: driving through the Texas Hill Country to marvel at the bluebonnets and wildflowers, traveling to Aggie games and to visit family across the country, and spending quiet, cherished time along the shores of Galveston.

Family was the compass of Jackie’s life. She treasured the time spent at the family farm, gathering with nieces, nephews, and the extended family she loved so dearly. Reunions and family celebrations were among her most beloved occasions — moments where laughter carried across the yard and generations sat side by side, belonging to one another.

Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie W. Warren, Jr., who passed away in 2024 after nearly 40 years of marriage. Their love was a quiet and enduring one, and she carries him with her still.

She is survived by her sister, Bonnie Lange and husband Jerry; her brother, Marvin Whitt and wife Josie; her daughter, Holly Blackwell and husband Tom; her stepchildren, Debbie Parmer and husband Jerry, Charles Warren III and wife Teresa, and Cheryl Barrett and husband Steve; her grandchildren, Chris, Nick, and Doug Winfrey, Renee Harper, Patrick Mize, Stephanie Cowan, Christa Miranda, and Cade Blackwell; and 13 great-grandchildren who brought immeasurable joy to her life.

Jackie lived with grace, loved without reservation, and left a legacy woven into every family member and friend she touched. She was the steady hand, the warm smile, the one who extended incredible hospitality, and her absence will be felt in all the ways that matter most. May she rest in the peace she so beautifully gave to others.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 21st at 1pm at Grace Gardens Funeral Home & Crematorium in Waco, TX. Instead of flowers, the family kindly suggests that donations be made to the The ALS Association in Jackie’s memory or to a charity close to your heart.