Jacqueline "Jackie" Sue Ridley Rudisill

Jacqueline “Jackie” Sue Ridley Rudisill was born on November 12, 1949, in York, South Carolina. She passed away peacefully the morning of July 8, 2025, after a brief second battle with cancer.

Jackie married David “Rod” Rodney Rudisill, the love of her life, and shared almost 48 years of marriage. They first met while Rod was coaching a South Point men’s basketball game that Jackie attended. Days later, he stopped by her classroom to formally ask her on a date, beginning a life filled with love and laughter. They were smitten from the start, with Jackie writing letters to Rod when he was away at college getting his graduate degree, to Rod doing anything she wanted, like going to the movies or going out to dinner. They did not like being separated from each other, even later in life. They had a strong bond that only two people who deeply loved and truly knew each other could share. They stood by each other no matter what - in good times, hard times, and rough patches. They showed what commitment in a relationship means.

Together, Jackie and Rod built a loving family that included their daughters, Holly Rudisill and Emilie Lovelace (Ron), and honorary daughter, Shelly Hyde (Lee). Holly and Emilie were her pride and joy and her reason for living. Jackie also took a young teacher she worked with into her loving arms - Shelly. Shelly quickly became part of the family and forever changed our lives. Jackie was always there to love her daughters, support them, push them, cheer for them, reassure them, or cry with them. Jackie proved time and time again what a devoted mother she was and what unfailing love looked like.

In addition to loving her daughters, Jackie was an adoring grandmother, affectionately known as “J-Maw” to Shelly’s three girls, Allie, Amy, and Alyssa, who brought another level of endless joy to Jackie’s life. She later welcomed bonus-grandchildren, R.J. and Mary Ellen Lovelace, embracing them with the same warmth and adoration. She lived to spoil and shower her grandchildren with love (and anything else they wanted).

Jackie deeply cherished her role as a sister to Jane Miskelly (Ron). Jackie and Jane had a truly wonderful friendship, whether it was Jane tagging along with Jackie and her friends as a kid, or as adults sitting at the dinner table, reminiscing about childhood stories. These times were always accompanied by tons of fun and laughter. Her sister was a priority, and she would have done anything for her. She was thrilled when Jane found the love of her life, Ron Miskelly, and Jackie loved him like a brother. Jackie treated her niece, Ashley Miskelly, as if she were her own and adored Ashley’s children, Elizabeth, Tyler, and Ethan. She treasured her brothers-in-law, John Rudisill (Ginger), Ed Rudisill (Sandy), and their children and grandchildren. Additionally, her loyal granddog, Vince, brought her joy, excitement, and companionship. Furthermore, she was fortunate to have wonderful, lifelong friendships with so many others.

Jackie dedicated her life to education and her students, teaching for more than 34 years at Cramerton Junior High/Middle School. She was a proud graduate of Appalachian State University. Continuing her lifelong commitment to learning, she later earned a master’s degree from Gardner-Webb University.

She had a passion for teaching and showered her students with love. Sometimes this was tough love. If a student was unlucky enough to experience her paddle, or if she told a student something they didn’t want to hear, she did this because of her unwavering dedication, encouragement, and belief that a child could achieve their best; her students felt and knew that she loved and cared for them deeply. Many former students visited, called, and wrote in her final days, sharing stories and quotes, but also to show love and respect - there is no denying the impact she had or the countless lives she touched and changed.

As much as she loved her family and friends, she loved her students just as much. They gave her purpose in life and became her “children”. She amazed her family by remembering each of them throughout her life. Whether it be out to dinner or running errands, if she ran into a former student, she always knew who they were - even if she hadn’t seen them in 20+ years. It is a true testament to her caring, love, and dedication. Her students, all of them, are a large part of her lasting legacy.

Throughout her life, Jackie was recognized not only for her professional achievements but also for her community involvement and generous nature. She was a former member of the McAdenville Women’s Club, where she was honored as Woman of the Year, a testament to her dedication to community service and leadership. For many years, she would play “Santa” for students or families in need. She would also find opportunities to give coats, food, money - whatever the need, Jackie would fulfill it. She also gave her time and volunteered in Holly’s classroom, where the students called her Mama Rudisill. She loved those young students just like the rest. She put everyone else first her entire life.

After retiring, Jackie enjoyed spending time at her house in Surfside Beach, where she and Rod would welcome family and friends. Often, she could be seen driving around on her golf cart, taking her grandgirls to feed the ducks at her favorite pond.

Jackie will be remembered for her dedication, witty humor, and lively spirit, as well as her nurturing and giving heart. She found joy in spending time with everyone she loved, creating lasting memories and bonds that would endure. Her legacy of love and education will be forever cherished by all who knew her. May she always and forever be heard at Cramerton Jr/Middle teaching algebra, yelling down the hallways, and cheering on students at games…

Visitation services will be held at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation in Gastonia, NC, on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 2, 2025, at CrossFix Ministries of Belmont with Pastor Scott Lee (former student) officiating.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Edd Jackson Ridley and Emily Watts Ridley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Preston Guy, Rudy Stowe, Morgan Smith, Bryan Denton, Shelia Williamson, Joe Shepherd, and Tyler Graham.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cramerton Middle School, General Fund, 601 Cramer Mountain Road, Cramerton, NC 28032

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144, is serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com