Jacqueline S. “Jackie” (Atwell) Bird, age 70 and formerly a longtime resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Greenwood Healthcare in Greenwood.  She was born December 1, 1952, in Elwood, the daughter of John Roy and Ruth Esther (Padfield) Atwell.  She was a 1971 graduate of Wendell Wilkie High School before attending two years of college.  Jackie worked as a team truck driver with her husband for several companies including TSMT Trucking Co.  She also operated a home ceramics business named Xanadu Ceramics.  Jackie married Jerry L. Bird on November 30, 1974, and they shared over 38 years of marriage together before his passing in 2013.

Jackie enjoyed crocheting, playing on-line games, playing BINGO, and singing karaoke.  She and her husband were both certified realtors.  Jackie was also very active 4-H during her younger years where she loved showing and riding horses competitively.  More than anything, Jackie’s family was the joy of her life.  They are comforted knowing she now has perfect health and is reunited with Jerry in Heaven.

Jackie’s family includes her 4 children: Athena (Anthony) Young of Kokomo, Jonathan Bird of Kokomo, Kimberly (Joe) Kendall of Anderson, and Alycia (Brandon) Smith of Indianapolis and 9 beloved grandchildren.  Jackie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerry Bird; and brother, Johnny R. “Spatch” Atwell.

 A funeral service celebrating Jackie’s life will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Amanda Capshaw officiating.  Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 pm on Friday prior to the funeral at the funeral home.  The burial will take place at a later date in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood Animal Shelter.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.