Jacquelyn Smallwood

Jacquelyn Smallwood, a cherished daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, at Union Hospital. Born on February 21, 1965, in Massillon, Ohio, Jacquelyn was a beacon of kindness, generosity, and strength throughout her life. Jacquelyn was the beloved daughter of the late Harry D. Ford and Derrlyn S. Ford. She was predeceased by her dear daughter, Summer A. Myers, whose memory she held close to her heart. Jacquelyn's legacy of love and resilience continues through her surviving children: Melissa Winkler, Kimberly Ortiz Perez, and Jared Smallwood. As a devoted mother, she instilled in them the values of compassion and perseverance. Her siblings, Eric Ford, Starla Watson, Kimberly Meechan, and Kurt Ford,and Brother-in-law, Donald Watson remember Jacquelyn as a source of unwavering support and laughter. Jacquelyn was also a proud grandmother to ten grandchildren: Carlos Ortiz, Adriano Castro Quinillo, Kruz Castro Quinillo, Ariana Castro Quinillo, Lucrecia Castro Quinillo, Liliana Ortiz Perez, Jessica Ortiz Perez, Mireya Ortiz Perez, Desiree Ortiz Perez, and Antonio Ortiz Perez Jr. Her heart was further filled with joy by her great-granddaughter, Daniella Waikel and her great-neices, Lily Ross,Bryell Bradford, Kaylee Bradford, Layne Bradford and great-nephews Jack Ross and Connor Ford. Her memory will be carried in their hearts. Jacquelyn's journey in the field of nursing began when she graduated from Buckeye Career Center as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2006, a career that she pursued with dedication in Alaska and then at Ember Complete Care until 2025. Her colleagues and patients alike admired her dedication and compassion, qualities that defined her both professionally and personally. Beyond her professional life, Jacquelyn found peace and happiness in the simple joys of fishing in the serene waters of Alaska and creating beautiful sea glass jewelry. Her children were the center of her world, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Jacquelyn's nieces, Desiree Ross, Holly Bradford, and Danielle Ford, and nephews, Eric Ford Jr. and Sawyer Meechan, will forever remember her warmth and the cherished memories they shared. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital for their exceptional care and kindness during Jacquelyn’s final days. In memory of Jacquelyn, the family kindly requests donations to be made to a charity of your choice, celebrating her life of compassion and love. May Jacquelyn Smallwood's soul find eternal peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know her.