"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" -- Mary Oliver

Jacqueline (Jacci) Neff Herrick, 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, August 23, 2026. She was a constant, loving, and creative presence in so many lives.

Born on February 27, 1933, in Dayton, Ohio, to Marjorie and John Neff, she grew up surrounded by her large extended family. After graduating high school and working for the telephone company in Cincinnati, she married Bob Herrick in 1956. Together they raised four children while living in California, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

Jacci was deeply involved in the lives of her children, sharing her love of books, art, and music.

Jacci earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Immaculata College in 1983 and her Master’s in Library Science from Vanderbilt University in 1986. She worked for the Tennessee State Library, overseeing genealogy and statewide programs. She authored two books describing the histories of the Neff and Richter families.

Throughout her life, Jacci brought creativity, warmth, and music into every community she touched, singing in church choirs and the Sweet Adelines, creating art, and lifting up those around her with kindness. Jacci found comfort and strength from her Christian faith, serving in church leadership and in lay ministry as a Stephen Minister.

After retiring in 1998, she traveled widely and moved near family in New Jersey and Vermont, embracing each new chapter with a sense of adventure. Even though she experienced dementia in her final years, her radiant smile continued to bring comfort and joy to everyone around her.

Jacci was a loving mother and grandmother who made everyone in her life feel truly valued. She is survived by her children, Scott Herrick (Tracy), John Herrick (Michael Lovett), Susan Rutkowski-Herrick (Alice) and Tom Herrick (Kim Wilkens); and her grandchildren, Emma Delaney, Xander Herrick, Lillian Herrick, and Rebecca Herrick.

Thank you, Jacci, for brightening our lives -- you are beloved and will be forever remembered.

If you wish to remember Jacci with a gift, please consider a donation to the Ethan Allen Residence (Living Well Group) or Bayada Hospice. Her family is deeply grateful to the caregivers who brought her comfort, joy and peace in her final years.