Jacqueline “Jackie” Nordica Banks Luke, 78, of Port Neches, passed away Thursday, August 15, 2013, at Christus Hospital St. Mary, Port Arthur.
She was born in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, and later moved to Beaumont, where she graduated from South Park High School. It was in Beaumont, where she met Claude Edward Luke and they were married on August 14, 1953. They were blessed to celebrate sixty years of happy marriage before her passing.
In 1960, Claude and Jackie moved to Conroe, where they raised their family of five children. Jackie was very active in the Parent Teachers Organization during their children’s school years and was fondly known by all as “Mama Luke”. A consummate mother and homemaker, Jackie was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals and treats for her family and friends. Over the years, she was known for her cooking but more importantly for her giving. Jackie loved playing cards and bingo with her family and friends and was also a sports fan and especially enjoyed following the Houston Astros.
Jackie is survived by her loving husband, Claude; children, Lois Arehart and husband, Kevin; Mike Luke; Rebecca Harlow and husband, Stuart; Eddie Luke and wife, Chona; and Bonny Barger and husband, Terry. She is also survived by eight loving grandchildren, Josh and Tabitha Luke, Michael Harlow and Lauren Harlow May, Justin and Tyler Luke, and James and Amanda Barger; brother, Albert Banks of Mt. Carmel, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jackie is preceded in death by her parents; and ten additional siblings.
A gathering of Mrs. Luke’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, August 18, 2013, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 19, 2013, at Broussard’s. A family committal will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
