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Jackie Faye (Leach) Willingham, born in Gainesville, TX, Jackie was raised in Hobbs, NM. Jackie was a 1965 graduate of UNM. While at UNM, Jackie was a cheerleader for two years and a Chaparral for two years. Jackie started her career with APS at Rio Grande High School, where she spent 17 years as a physical education teacher. While at Rio Grande, Jackie was the coach of the Castinettes Drill team for 14 years. She was also the Boys-Girls Gymnastics coach for 10 years. Jackie was department chair for four years and served as athletic director for five years. She then went to Washington Mid School, where she spent six years. At Washington, she coached the drill team and sponsored the Modern Dance Club. Jackie also was department chair at West Mesa High School for physical education. She was a pioneer for women in the field of physical education and athletics. Jackie Willingham passed away August 30, 2008 with her mother and sister at her side. Jackie lived a beautiful life rich with love and adventure. As a mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, and teacher, Jackie was the epitome of unconditional love and she will be missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on through her family and through the countless students she taught, coached, and mentored. Jackie loved all animals and the outdoors, and traveled extensively throughout New Mexico in her RV. Jackie is survived by her mother, Wanda Leach of Hobbs, NM; sons include, Brian Willingham of Albuquerque, NM and Mark Willingham of Snohomish, WA; sister, Donna Simpson of Kansas; aunt Tommye Proffer of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren, Savannah and Madison Willingham of Albuquerque, NM and Ainsley and Dylan Willingham of Snohomish, WA; special friends Don Willingham of Snohomish,WA, Upton Ethelbah of Albuquerque, NM, and the Obenshain family. Memorial contributions can be made to the Animal Humane Society.
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