Jacqueline Joann Bunch, affectionately known as "Aunt Jackie," was born on July 9, 1950, at Granville County Hospital in Oxford, North Carolina, to the late James Wilkerson and Evelyn Cheatham Thornton, who transitioned peacefully. Raised in Oxford, North Carolina, Jacqueline was the eldest sibling, the "in-charge" big sister, who fiercely protected and guided her younger sisters and her baby brother, George Thornton. Her nurturing spirit and leadership were evident from the start. As a young woman, Jacqueline relocated to New York, where her vibrant personality and love for life lit up every room she entered. Known as the "lady of the party," she had a passion for singing, dancing, and celebrating to the sounds of Rick James, Tina Turner, and all the latest hits. Her home in the Ossining community became a joyful gathering place filled with laughter, music, and her famous potato salad. She opened her doors to everyone, inviting "the boys and girls from the hood" to share good food, fun, and love. Jacqueline's heart for people extended far beyond her backyard. She built a remarkable career in service, beginning at the Department of Social Services in Peekskill, New York, where she worked tirelessly to support others. Later, she continued to touch lives as an Administrator at the Burke Rehabilitation Center in White Plains, New York. Her professionalism, compassion, and business acumen earned her the respect of colleagues and the admiration of those she mentored. Later in life, Jacqueline Joann Cheatham became Jacqueline Bunch when she married John Bunch in Ossining, New York. Though their union eventually took different paths, it reflected the same love, passion, and joy that she carried into every relationship in her life. Jacqueline's love for her family and community was boundless. She was the nurturer, the "head honcho," and the strength of the family. She constantly encouraged her nieces to hold their heads high, maintain self-respect, and always look their best-because, as she believed, dressing nice and keeping your hair done were reflections of pride and confidence. She loved playing cards, bingo, and being the center of attention at every game. Her joy came from bringing people together, through food, laughter, and music. Her bold spirit, paired with deep wisdom, made her a source of inspiration to everyone who knew her. A woman of strong faith, Jacqueline believed in God wholeheartedly and often reminded those around her of the importance of keeping Him first. She loved singing gospelsongs, with "Yesterday" by Mary Mary being one of her favorites. Her soft, beautiful, and calming voice was a gift she often underestimated. "Aunt Jackie" was more than an aunt, she was a mother figure, a friend, and a beacon of light in her community. Her energy was contagious, her laughter unforgettable, and her presence always felt. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering compassion and strength in the lives of her two sisters, Ardyce Thornton and Gloria Thornton; her baby brother, George "Bruh" Thornton; her great aunts, Grace Fonville Walker and Delores Kelly; as well as a host of cousins, nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great nephews, and countless loved ones who will forever cherish her memory. Though Aunt Jackie is no longer with us in body, her spirit will forever sing and dance among us, a radiant light that will never, ever dim.