Jaclyn R. Ballard

Jaclyn Rene Ballard, 47, passed away unexpectedly on Christmas morning. Cherished mother to Jordan, adored fiancee of Allen McClellan, beloved daughter of Randy (Tonya) and Bonnie(deceased), sister of Jim (Gretchen), stepsister of Kristin, aunt to Alanna, Brooklyn, Addison and Jack, cousin, niece and devoted friend to many. Jaclyn had a big, overflowing heart when it came to her son and her cats. She was most proud of being a mom and doted on Jordan with unwavering devotion. She also lovingly cared for her grand-dog, Biggie Smalls. Biggie is Jordan's little bestie, and Jaclyn always felt that as long as Biggie was around, she had a part of her son with her, even when she and Jordan were not living under the same roof.

Jaclyn found her love when she met Allen. Allen loved "his Jackie," and walked through all of life's challenges with her. He did everything he could to save her life when she collapsed and is devastated losing her. Allen recognized her attributes while accepting her flaws without judgment or conditions.

Jaclyn always wore her heart on her sleeve. She had special connections to her Grandma Betty and her mom, Bonnie. She would talk about how much love and acceptance she felt whenever Grandma Betty was with her. She was devastated when Betty passed away in 2013 and always honored their special bond with tributes on social media every March. When Bonnie passed in 2020, Jaclyn was heartbroken. She felt that grief until her final breath, posting that she especially missed her mom during the holidays right before she passed.

Her father, Randy, and stepmother, Tonya, have been pillars of strength in Jaclyn's life. Through their unconditional love and support, Jaclyn always knew she was part of a loving family.

Despite her demons, Jaclyn always had a desire to help people. Through her gift of organ donation, two people have new corneas, a burn victim has new skin for grafts, and an athlete is able to walk and play sports again with the exact match of bone tissue that was needed. To contribute to another's life in this significant way would have made Jaclyn so proud.

Jaclyn was open about the challenges she faced. While she battled addiction and health issues throughout her life, her death was accidental. The family is grateful for their Christmas Eve gathering when they were together. There is great comfort for the family knowing that Jaclyn has been reunited with Betty and Bonnie.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 9th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Newcomer Funeral Home (131 N. Canton Rd., Akron) where memorial services will be held at 6:00pm.

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