Jacquelyn Marie Herndon

Jacquelyn Marie Herndon, 61, of Fulton, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia.

Services will be held at a later date in Twinsburg, Ohio.

Jacquelyn was born on January 8, 1965 in Garfield Heights, Ohio, the daughter of James Royce and Mary Ann (Hanzel) Hoyt. On May 19, 1990, in Cleveland Ohio, she married Patrick Herndon. He preceded her in death on September 3, 2009.

Jacquelyn was a proud Deaf woman who never let anything stand in the way of living life on her own terms. She earned a bachelor's degree in photography from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, turning her education into a lifelong passion for capturing the world through photos. She put that passion to work as a photo technician at Custom Color Corporation. She was also proud to be a homemaker, caring for her home and those she loved. Later, she worked in the janitorial department at the University of Missouri and at MERS Goodwill. No matter where life took her, Jacquelyn approached each chapter with determination and independence.

While living in Ohio, she attended St. Augustine Church in Cleveland, and her Catholic faith remained an important part of her life. Jacquelyn had a special place in her heart for her pets, especially her beloved companions, Billie and Cori. She treasured the time she spent with her friends, whose companionship meant so much to her. She will be remembered for her independent spirit, kind heart, and the way she found joy in the people and pets she loved most.

Survivors include one daughter, Polly Herndon-Houston (Christian) of Kingdom City, Missouri; one brother, James Hoyt Jr. (Tami) of Minnesota; one sister Mary Myers (Rick) of Ohio; her mother-in-law, Marilyn Herndon of Kingdom City, Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nephews.

Jacquelyn was preceded in death by her father, James Hoyt; mother, Mary Ann Hoyt; and husband, Patrick.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the National Association of the Deaf. Memorials may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.