January 4, 1953 – August 20, 2023

Jackie Sue Allen 70, of Naples, Florida, passed away August 20th at the AVOW Hospice House in Naples, following a courageous fight with cancer.

She was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer in August of 2022. Never one to give up, Jackie fought her foe with grace, courage, and dignity, receiving chemotherapy protocol and debulking surgery. She achieved temporary relief at times, but complications of the disease continued their unyielding progression.

Jackie was born January 4, 1953 in Harrodsburg, Kentucky to Mary Francis Allen-Deering. Jackie was raised by her grandmother, Georgia Downey and grew up in Lexington, Kentucky. She was a 1971 graduate of Lafayette High School in Lexington.

In 1976 Jackie started her career with Southern Railway, later Norfolk Southern and became the first female brakeman. Deciding the winters were too cold, in 1987 Jackie moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 1988 she began a 35-year career with Publix Supermarkets. Even through her illness, Jackie was devoted to her job, choosing to work rather than give in to her illness.

Jackie loved meeting new people, she never met a stranger and would leave a lasting impression on those she met. She was an avid pin collector, University of Kentucky Wildcat fan and enjoyed watching Disney or Doris Day movies over and over.

In addition to her mother, Jackie is survived by a loving group of friends from around the globe. A celebration of life will be held later. Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or AVOWcares.org in her memory.