Jackie Louise Perales

Jackie Louise Perales (Spinks) got to see her “mansion just over the hilltop” on March 21, 2022, at the age of 76. She overcame extremely difficult challenges throughout her life with grace, strength, determination, and faith in her God. After suffering a debilitating stroke 28 years ago, she accomplished more with one hand and one leg than many accomplish with two. She was never a victim of her illnesses or circumstances. She patiently and confidently crushed every goal and project. Her biggest accomplishments are the love, memories, and life lessons she safely secured in the hearts of her family, all of which will be passed on for many generations. Prior to the stroke, Jackie worked for 20 years as a medication aide at Farwell Convalescent Center where she loved and cared for many residents. She had an amazing sense of humor. She had many talents, such as drawing, painting, sewing, cutting hair, decorating cakes, cooking, needle work, but one talent rose above all others, singing. She struggled with her speech after the stroke but still beautifully sang numerous songs from memory. She encouraged others and shared her love for God through her songs. She always had the most beautiful smile. Jackie was born in Clovis, NM on December 5, 1945, to William K. and Jewell Spinks (Tull). She met the love of her life, Nelson Perales while he was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base. The two married on January 5, 1962, in Clovis, NM. They made their home in Vineland, NJ. They had four children: Nelson Jr., Sharalynn (Shari), Janice, and Darryl. The family later moved to Clovis, NM. Jackie is preceded in death by her parents; husband Nelson Perales Sr.; and siblings Rosetta Rupe, Ruby Moore, Ruth Ashcraft, and Jerry Spinks. Jackie is survived by her children: Nelson Perales Jr. (Nora) of Pasadena, TX, Shari Keeton (Rick) of Aubrey, TX, Janice Barela (Ted) of Edgewood, NM, and Darryl Perales (Jennifer) of Clovis, NM; grandchildren: Nelson Perales III (Ripal), Nicole Perales (Miguel), Staci Williams (Courtney), Shelby Truesdale (Warren), Skyler Wilt (Katie), Julia Bales (Justin), Jessica Hickman (Jack), Jonathan Barela (Michelle), Alyssa Shanley (Justin), Sharalynn Lucero (Eric), Samantha Bloch (Tyler), and Jeremy Perales (Yana); great grandchildren: Alisha, Ariana, Jordyn, Jaci, Beau, Aubrey, Carter, Allison, Colton, Brenlee, Asher, Quintin, Abigail, Hattie, Justin II (JC), Gracelynn, Zander, Sophia, Asher, Theo, with #21 and #22 soon-to-arrive; and siblings: Wilma Gee, Bill Spinks (Polly) and Janis Stiles (Mark). The family would like to thank Michelle Barela and Patti Wilson who helped care for her with tenderness and love. A celebration of Jackie’s life will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Legacy Church-Clovis Campus, 3401 N. Norris St., Clovis, NM 88101. The celebration will be officiated by Pastor Nick Camacho of Citizen Church. Interment will follow at the Mission Garden of Memories, as well as a lunch/reception will be announced. Pallbearers are Nelson Perales III, Jonathan Barela, Jeremy Perales, Skyler Wilt, Justin Shanley, Eric Lucero, Courtney Williams, Warren Truesdale, Tyler Bloch and Bill Perales. Honorary Pallbearers are Jackie’s 20 great grandchildren. As an alternative to flowers, the family suggests donations in her memory to Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, TX at www.dallasscottishrite.org or the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Harris-Hanlon Mortuary Moriarty, NM