Jacquelyn C. Early, 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Jackee lived a life defined by faith, service, and devotion to her family. She attended Greensboro College and graduated from Piedmont Flight School. She dedicated 23 years of service to the citizens of Haywood County as a Deputy Clerk of Court. She was also a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Waynesville where she served as the four-year olds’ Sunday School teacher for 34 years. She shared her love of scripture and fellowship with generations of church members. She was recently honored as the oldest living member.

In high school Jackee participated in the Waynesville Township Marching Band as a majorette, an experience she greatly enjoyed. She found joy in walking, reading, participating in Zumba classes, playing bridge, and above all, spending time with her family and friends. Her warmth, kindness, and steadfast faith touched the lives of all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Dibe Early; her parents, John Rudolph Carswell and Marguerite Berry Carswell; and her grandson, Greyson Cole Mazich.

She is survived by her brother Retired Colonel John R. Carswell and wife Nancy Carswell; daughter, Deborah Early Newgaard and husband Gary Thomas Newgaard; her son Alvin Dibe Early and Peggie Hoskins; and her daughter Jacquelyn Delaine Mazich and husband Thomas Mazich.

She is also survived by her grandchildren Brett Rudolph Newgaard and wife, Kelly Harris Newgaard, Drew Randolph Newgaard and wife, Rebecca Bertani Newgaard, Thomas Cade Mazich, and Nathaniel Lee Mazich; and by her great-grandchildren Shayne Bennett Newgaard and Knox Greyson Newgaard.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the chapel of First Baptist Church of Waynesville. A funeral service celebrating Jackee's life will follow at 3:00 p.m. Immediately following a private graveside service will be held at White Oak Baptist Church Cemetery.

The warmth of Jackee's engaging smile will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Sarges Animal Rescue Foundation, Inc or Friends of Haywood County Library.

Sarges Animal Rescue Foundation, Inc
www.sarges.org
256 Industrial Park Drive. Suite B
Waynesville, NC 28786
828-246-9050

Friends of Haywood County Library
www.folhaywoodcounty.org
678 S. Haywood St.
Waynesville, NC 28786

The care of Ms. Early has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville