COLUMBIA -- Alice Jacqueline Parks Duckett Coles, 89, departed this life peacefully after a long illness on May 10, 2017. Jacqueline was born in Greenville, SC, the eldest child of the late James Lloyd Parks and Julia Sarah Arnold Parks, in the home of her grandmother.

Her early education was in Greenville County schools. Her secondary education was completed at St Paul's Polytechnic Institute, Lawrenceville, VA. She received her undergraduate degree from Howard University, Washington, D.C., and was awarded an M.A. degree from Teachers College of Columbia University, New York City where she was elected to the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society. She studied further in the Graduate Schools of S.C. State College, Orangeburg, and Benedict College and Allen University of Columbia SC.

Jackie began her teaching career as a member of the faculty at the Perrin Thomas Elementary School in Columbia, after a brief tenure teaching in Newberry County. During a span of over forty-five years with Richland County School District One, she served in various capacities including as a consultant and as principal of Satchel Ford and John P. Thomas Elementary Schools. For many years, she was also a licensed funeral director in the family funeral home established by her father in Greenwood, SC.

She was an active member of the St Luke's Episcopal Church for many decades, including service on the vestry, and tenure as Senior Warden. She is a life member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and thoroughly enjoyed being a founding member of the Columbia Chapters of both The Moles and The National Smart Set.

She is predeceased by her husband Abram Coles, Junior, and her first husband, Dewey Maceo Duckett, Junior.

Jacqueline leaves to cherish her memory, a loving brother, Marshall Henry Parks (Sylvia) of Columbia; a niece, The Honorable Julia Anne Parks of Greenwood, SC; nephews, Marshall Henry Parks, Junior of Columbia and Dr. Michael Lloyd Parks of New York City; and a great-niece, Kimberly L. Parks of Columbia.

A memorial service will take place at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Columbia on Friday, May 12, at 4 p.m. Graveside services and interment will be Saturday, May 13, 11 a.m. at Oakbrook Memorial Park in Greenwood, SC.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church. The Parks Funeral Home of Greenwood, SC. is in charge of arrangements.