Jacqueline Rose Kemper Obituary (2025)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved angel, Jacqueline Rose (Franks) Kemper, on August 15, 2025, in Yakima, WA. Jackie was born on January 21, 1963, to Lester Allen and Esther Marie (Sornberger) Franks in Everett, Washington. At the age of six, she was adopted by Richard Fredrick and Virginia Rose (Rabe) Kemper. Richard and Virginia instilled in Jackie a love for children and the importance of giving them a better life. After joining the Kemper family, Jackie attended Pasco Distance School, where she made many lifelong friends. In 1979, the family moved to Yakima. After her father's retirement, they enjoyed many vacations together, which opened a whole new world for Jackie. She graduated from Davis High School in 1982. Jackie was strong, independent, and full of life. She had a gift for cooking and baking, earning a reputation as a master in the kitchen. With a green thumb, she nurtured beautiful flowers and plants. She worked at Walmart, where she received numerous awards recognizing her skills and dedication. Jackie had many passions and joys in life. She loved collecting elephants, camping, and fishing. A proud Kansas City Chiefs fan, she never missed the chance to cheer for her team. She delighted in celebrating every holiday and birthday, always bringing joy to those around her. Her love of music was another source of happiness--especially old-school R&B, country, and the unforgettable voice of Whitney Houston. Jackie reconnected with her birth family in 2000. In 2007, she met the love of her life, Ewie Williams, with whom she shared many happy years. Above all, Jackie will be remembered as a very caring and loving soul. She touched countless lives with her warmth, generosity, and laughter, and she carried a special love for children that reflected the values her parents instilled in her. Jackie is survived by her beloved partner, Ewie Williams, her children, Benjamin Allen Kemper, Jeremiah Freeman Kemper, Erica Rose (Kemper) Walls, Terrihn Williams, Simona Williams, Ewieona Williams, and Micquel Williams, her grandchildren, Stephon Alexander Walls, Nalaysia Rose Walls, Maiyah Rosemarie Kemper, Khaleesi Rose Riojas, Angel and Austin, and her siblings, Barbara Lee Strimska, Karen Ray Reynolds, Virginia Jill Kemper, Frank Aaron Kemper, Barbara Jean Franks, India Esther Baines, Rebecca Leann Franks-Scott, Rhona Kathleen Pentene, Barbara Burnette Ghee, and Benjamin Lee Franks. She was preceded in death by her siblings Gary Wynn Kemper, Donna Jean Franks, Hezzie Alexander Baines, and Gino Lee Franks. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Yakima Arboretum from 12:00-3:00pm. Jackie will be dearly missed but forever held in our hearts. I love you, Babe, forever! Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at shawandsons.com.