Jacqueline Dereece (McNeill) McNeill-Mellerson

Jacqueline was born in Buffalo, NY to her Loving & Hard-Working Mother Hazel McNeill and Father Alvester McNeill on 6/6/1964. Already coming into a big family with two sisters, Verna & Constance Mc Neill and two brothers Larry & Gerald McNeill. Enjoying five years of being the baby of the family before welcoming one more sister, Lisa McNeill. Lafayette High School is where she graduated from, where she excelled in track and field. Soon after High School, she began working hard, also like her mom. Having the first of her two children Briana in 1983 and five years later welcoming her baby boy Justin. She started her working career in Buffalo, N.Y. at the North Star Bank, then the V.A. Hospital, and then General Motors. She worked hard to provide all the love and support she could to her children, and she was damn GOOD at it!! General Motors gave her the chance to leave her hometown and move to Arlington, TX to be closer to family. After putting in her time at GM, it was time for her to follow her calling and true passion, which was caretaking, allowing her light to shine even brighter. She left GM and went back to school full time and became a Nurse. Studying hard, she passed with high scores and immediately went to work after graduation.

She was a member of the Potter's House Church in Dallas, TX. Donating to charities such as St. Jude's and the American Heart Association. She loved to stay fit, exercising and doing weight training. Her favorite gym activity was Zumba class at the YMCA with Mrs. Alma and the girls. She loved family time and family get togethers especially seeing the youngest in the family all play together and enjoying themselves. When not exercising or enjoying family, she loved TV, her soap operas, The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and General Hospital.  She also loved the NBC Wednesday night Chicago shows, Blue Bloods, almost all The Real Housewives shows and Law and Order SVU.  Her favorite movie of all times hands down was "The Long Kiss Goodnight."  Her Greatest Achievement was the raising of her 2 children and grandson. However, that was equal to going back to school in her 40's and becoming a Nurse. To this day, she still receives daily nursing exam questions sent to her phone to test he knowledge. She was always wanting to learn more and improve to stay on top of the changes in her field.

She (Mommy) was a natural caretaker, always thinking of others and their needs when making decisions. She was always mindful and caring of others emotionally, spiritually and physically; a caretaker to her core. She wanted people to be the very best version of themselves and was there with an encouraging word, ready to help anyone achieve their dreams and goals. One of the most openhearted, open-minded and sincere person you could talk to, without any judgment. She'd have some good advice and prayers for your peace and success. She had a deep belief in God and always put him first in her life. God guided her and she believed with God and education you can do anything. She just had a true calming spirit that was infectious, and you felt safe and loved around her. She was always the first person up dancing and once she caught your eye she would give you her famous wink and a smile to come join in; you couldn't resist it. You had to at least give a quick dance step or full out dance routine. Simply the best Mother (Mommy) my brother and I could ever have. I want to say thank you for loving us so much!!!

She was preceded in death by her mother and father Hazel McNeill and Alvester McNeill. She is the first of their children to see them again and meet GOD in heaven.

She is survived by her Husband Rickey Mellerson from Arlington, TX, her two children Briana Black and Justin Mellerson, from Arlington, TX, the light of her life, her grandson Reese Porter. Her Sisters & Brothers, Constance (Clyde) Webber, and Lisa McNeill, of Arlington, TX; Verna McNeill from Fayetteville, NC; Larry (Cindy) McNeill from Buffalo, NY and Gerald McNeill from Florida. Her Nieces and Nephews Pooper (Clyde), Nikki (Hazel), Aaron, Marco, Lauren, Buddy (Rowdell), Damone, Kimberly & Rejetta. Her great-nieces and great-nephews A'landria, Demetre (DJ), Malacki, Jade, Nas, Marco Jr., Jrue, Jayden, Jay'ceon, Jay'Vian, Jalisa, Quentin Jr., Queniece, Quentavis & La'Quan. Mrs. Alma and all the girls at the YMCA. If here she'd say, Mourn me not; but remember I have lived. Let that little bit of me that lies in you live on. Don't let it hold you back, or give you cause for tears; but let it spur you on to live and love and laugh. My legacies to you are simple memories. Our acts together rendered into thoughts; So, take the best of them and make them breathe and share the benefit of them with those you love.
No need for monuments, or empty dedications No need to strain your grief or call the world to halt. You are my children; and that is all I need. Your lives, well-lived, are testament enough.

She passed on Thursday night, 8/3/2023 at 10:14pm in Dallas, TX at Medical City Dallas Heart Hospital. She was laid to rest (cremated) on Monday 8/14/2023 @ 10am at Simple Cremation. Her Memorial service will be held @ Pappadeaux Restaurant on Wednesday 8/16/2023 @ 12pm in Arlington, TX. This will include a luncheon and balloon release.

To Honor her life & memory the family asks that you donate to St. Jude Hospital, The American Heart Association, or to her Grandson Reese Porter's college trust fund.

Psalm 23: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

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