Jackie Marie Laborda, 86, of Bowling Green Kentucky passed away peacefully with her three children by her bedside Sunday afternoon, December 14, 2025 at the Hospice House of Southern Kentucky. Jackie is survived, missed and deeply loved by her three children, Lee Manuel Laborda (Cindy) of Nicholasville, Kentucky, Linn Miquel Laborda (Devonda "Dee") of Lexington, Kentucky, Marcia "Marci" Maria Laborda, of Bowling Green, Kentucky; three grandchildren,  Erin "Erins Erins" Ford (Zach) of Lexington, Kentucky, Brian "Bri Bri" Laborda (Abby Wingate) of Nicholasville, Kentucky, David "Davido" Laborda (Kelli) of Lexington, Kentucky; two great grandchildren, Maddox and Crosby Laborda, of Lexington, Kentucky; sisters-in- law, Jennie Brown (Tim) of Louisville, Kentucky, Vilma Gomez, of Tampa, Florida; special friends, The Frew Girls, Pati , Nancy, Becky, Melanie along with their families and dearest friends Annette Smith and Clista Miles. Her legacy also lives on through her many nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends that she considered part of her family.

Jackie was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Manuel F. Laborda; parents, Reverend Jack A. Brown and Mrs. Ila Mae Hughes Brown; sister, Sue McClure (Johnnie); brothers, Jerry Brown, Bob Brown (Sue), Tim Brown; and nieces, Eileen Alexander, Beth Gifford, Jana Mulliken and Malvy Adams. She was born on May 19th, 1939 in Akron, Ohio. Jackie was the fourth of Jack and Ila Mae Brown's five children. Jackie lived with her family in Akron for the first eight years of her life until 1947, when her father was called to serve as pastor of Hardmoney Baptist Church in Boaz, Kentucky. It was in Hardmoney that Jackie developed and nurtured many close and loving friendships that continued throughout her entire life. It was also here that she discovered her gift for singing and love of music. She shared her beautiful voice with others at church, school and later in life performing as a member of the Sweet Adelines. After graduating from Reidland High School and with the goal of developing her talent, she attended Bethel College in Hopkinsville, Kentucky and studied music with an emphasis on voice. It was at Bethel that she met two of the most important people in her life, her dearest friend Annette Smith and her future husband, Manuel Laborda of Holguin, Cuba. Jackie looked back fondly on her time at Bethel not only for her academic experience but for meeting these two people that were so instrumental in the shaping of her life. On October 10th, 1959, Jackie and Manuel were married at Hardmoney Baptist Church with her beloved father officiating. The couple began their married life in the Paducah, Kentucky area and by 1965 had a family of five. In 1968 they moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where Jackie worked in the accounting department of Pier 66, a major hotel in South Florida. She thrived in and loved her job and continued working there until,1977 when the family returned to Kentucky in order to be closer to her parents and siblings. They settled in Bowling Green where both Jackie and Manuel lived for the rest of their lives. Jackie worked as accounts manager for LifeSkills, Inc. until her retirement. After the passing of her husband in 2005, Jackie purchased a home with her daughter Marci and they lived there together until her passing. As mentioned, Jackie was an excellent singer who enjoyed sharing her gift with others and loved the fellowship and camaraderie of joining other singers in groups and choirs. She loved listening to music, attending concerts and performances, and appreciated the talent of other musicians. Jackie was also an avid painter, who produced many beautiful works of art that family and friends proudly display in their homes. Another notable talent of Jackie's was her elegant handwriting. Everyone who received a card, letter or note couldn't help being impressed. She loved flowers, pretty colors, animals and never lost the recognition of, or appreciation for, the everyday wonders of life. The summary of towns where she lived, schools she attended, places she worked and activities she enjoyed, while interesting, couldn't possibly give an accurate description of the person she was and how much she meant to everyone who knew her. The brightest of smiles, the warmest of embraces, the sweetest of spirits, the most tender of hearts and the purest of souls. That was Jackie. Of all her achievements in life, she believed the greatest was her family. She delighted in her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and in-laws. She loved them completely and unconditionally. She extended that love and care to all that were fortunate enough to come into her orbit. She was bright, full of life and also tender and warm. The legacy she leaves behind will not be awards or accolades, but rather her greatest gift, the one that will endure, her limitless capacity for love and joy and her willingness to share them with everyone. The world was better for having her in it and her presence is already greatly missed.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Hardmoney Baptist Church in Boaz, KY. At the conclusion of visitation, she will be buried in the Hardmoney Baptist Church Cemetery. Following the burial, there will be a Celebration of Life in the fellowship hall of the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Kentucky –5872 Scottsville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42104 or to the Hardmoney Baptist Church Cemetery Fund Attn: Sharon Ellington 201 Sharon Dr, Boaz, KY  42027