Obituary of Jacquelyn LaVerne Nelson

 Jacquelyn LaVerne Nelson 

Jacquelyn LaVerne Nelson, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2019 just a few weeks short of her 90th birthday.

“Jackie” was born May 27, 1929 in Edna, Texas. Her parents were Bonham John Sparks and Alma Hattie (Maxey) Sparks. Her family lived in Texas until Jackie’s teen years, when they moved the family to Selah, Washington. There, she graduated from Selah High School. In 1948, she married Melvin Allen Minion. Together, they had four children. Jackie worked for the Yakima Police Department for many years, then moved to Seattle where she took a job for the Seattle Parks Department. After several years there, she transferred to the Seattle Police Department, working in Vice and Narcotics. She retired from there in 1994.

Jackie had several hobbies and among her favorite was painting. She was a talented painter. She loved hiking, camping, fishing, birding, and walking along ANY beach. She enjoyed Scrabble and card games. And she loved her family.

Jackie is survived by her four children: Michael Minion, Karen Crabb, Kay McArthur, and Kim Austin; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brothers: Kenneth Sparks of The Woodlands, Texas; and Douglas Sparks of Jacksonville, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers BJ Sparks Jr., Neil Sparks, and Eugene Sparks.

No service is planned at her request. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice, or one of Jackie’s favorites: the ALS Foundation, or the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund.

Arrangements by Edwards Memorial, Funerals Homes, Chapels and Crematories.
253-566-1008