Jacquline Lei Bottom's Obituary
Jacquline Lei “Jackie” Bottom was born in Birmingham Alabama on June 8, 1983. She was the beloved daughter of Laura and David C. Russell (Des Moines, IA) and Barry and Jerri Bottom (Clinton, TN).
Jackie was a vibrant soul who was larger than life and served as a living inspiration to those who knew her.
Over the years, Jackie was a devoted lover of her pets and she was preceded across the Rainbow Bridge by her beloved pups Kibbles and Linus and her cats Marbles and Church.
Though Jackie had Spinal Muscular Atrophy, she refused to be limited by her diagnosis. She met with celebrities and stars, serving as a proud MDA Ambassador in her youth. In her adult years, she worked at Walmart and attended Columbus State Community College. Jackie lived her adult life on her own, enjoying apartment life with the help of treasured personal assistants before transitioning to Country Club Rehabilitation in 2019.
In the family, Jackie was well known for her frequent calls, check ins, medical advice, and was an absolute firecracker with a terrific sense of humor. Despite her physical challenges, she cared more for the welfare of others. She wanted to make sure those she loved were doing well and she was a fierce defender of those in her “tribe.”
Jackie celebrated multiple causes and while animal welfare was key for her, she also supported Autism Awareness (adorning herself with the Autism awareness puzzle piece tattoo). She loved her TV shows (and loved discussing the latest episodes), music, and had a keen awareness of world events and global politics.
Jackie is survived by her siblings, Amanda and Jordan Bottom (Knoxville, TN) and Caleb and Joshua Russell (Des Moines, IA), as well as her beloved grandmother, Helen Canfield and uncle Mike Canfield (Huntsville, AL) and Jackie and Betty Bottom (Blanche, TN), and her many cherished aunts and cousins. Jackie was preceded in death by her grandfather, Carl Canfield, her aunts, Karen Packard and Ginger (Mike) Canfield; her uncle Jeff Canfield; her aunt and uncle Ruthy and Don Wilson, and other cherished family members. A special thank you to Amber Waweru of Delaware County Board of Development Disabilities for her years of support, friendship, and love.
At this time, the family is postponing services until her favorite season (Spring), and she will be laid to rest in Gatlin Cemetery in Ardmore, AL. In the meantime, the family requests that in lieu of flowers donations can be made on Jackie’s behalf to animal rescue organizations, MDA, autism awareness, or any charity of your choice.
Her spirit now free, Jackie will be missed, mourned, and remembered forever.
What’s your fondest memory of Jacquline?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jacquline?
Share a story where Jacquline's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jacquline you’ll never forget.
How did Jacquline make you smile?