Jacquelynn "Jackie" Schexnayder

Jacquelynn “Jackie” Douglas Sumerford Schexnayder, a cherished lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on January 4, 2025. She was 86 years old.

Jackie’s life journey began in Baton Rouge, where she attended Highland Elementary School and graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1956. She continued her education at Louisiana State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1960. During her time at LSU, Jackie was a proud member and supporter of the Delta Zeta Sorority, where she formed lifelong friendships and met her future husband, Norbert Francois Schexnayder, Jr. They married in June of 1961, embarking on a life filled with love and adventure.

After their wedding, Jackie and Norbert relocated to Fort Gordon, Georgia, where Norbert served as an officer in the United States Army. In November 1963, they returned to Baton Rouge to build their life and raise a family together.

Jackie dedicated her professional life to education, beginning her teaching career at Bakerfield Elementary School in Baker. She later joined the faculty of St. Aloysius Catholic School, where she not only taught but also generously volunteered her time. Beyond teaching, Jackie pursued a career in real estate, becoming a licensed agent. Her contributions to both fields were marked by her unwavering commitment and compassion.

Known for her warm hospitality and open heart, Jackie’s home was a haven for friends and family alike. She welcomed everyone with open arms, ensuring no child was ever a stranger. She was everyone’s mom. Her children’s friends fondly recall countless days and nights spent in the Schexnayder home, enjoying Jackie’s company, delicious meals, laughter and genuine care.

Jackie held a deep respect and admiration for the military, maintaining a special place in her heart for service members. She also had a profound love for animals, particularly her beloved Corgis, who brought her immense joy over the years.

Jackie’s legacy lives on through her devoted husband of 63 years, Norbert F. Schexnayder, Jr.; her three children: Douglas Dow Schexnayder (Christine), John Norbert Schexnayder (Cindy), and Elizabeth Ann Hurst (Carlos); her cherished grandchildren: Ryan Marshall Schexnayder, Logan Douglas Schexnayder, Tristan Drake Schexnayder, Jordan Nicole Schexnayder, Lia Marie Schexnayder, John Ruben Schexnayder, Hunter Charles Kenneth Hurst, and Charles Colt Reese Hurst; and her great-grandchildren, Cayson Tyler Shapiro and Preston John “PJ” White.

She is reunited in eternal peace with her father, Simpson Douglas Sumerford of Smithville, Mississippi; her mother, Junia Edna Estes of Uvalde, Texas; and her grandson, Tyler John Rogers of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Family and friends are invited to honor Jackie’s life during visitation hours at Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home at 11817 Jefferson Hwy in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow immediately at Resthaven Gardens Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Douglas Dow Schexnayder, John Norbert Schexnayder, Charles Kenneth Reese “Carlos” Hurst, Michael Darden Browder, Charles Colt Reese Hurst, and Glenn Joseph “GJ” Schexnayder, Jr. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Ryan Marshall Schexnayder, Logan Douglas Schexnayder, John Ruben Schexnayder, Hunter Charles Kenneth Hurst, and Tristan Drake Schexnayder.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Baton Rouge Food Bank.

The Schexnayder family extends heartfelt gratitude to Clarity Hospice and A Plus Caring Heart for their compassionate care and support.

To share a memory, leave a message, or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.