Dr. Jacqueline Magdalen Young, 86, of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Jacqueline was born on December 31, 1939, in Minneapolis, MN, to Harley Henry Yates and Teresa Monica Sauve Yates. At the age of five, Jacqueline moved with her family to Jacksonville, FL where she attended DuPont schools and graduated from DuPont High School in 1957. Following graduation, she began her career with Prudential Insurance and earned Old Guard status just five years later. In 1961, she married Raymond Lewis Young. Together they welcomed two sons, Michael Raymond Young in 1963 and Brian Ernest Young in 1966. Later that same year, the family moved to Pensacola when Raymond was stationed at Cory Field. While Raymond participated in the Navy ADCOP program at Pensacola Junior College, Jacqueline was encouraged to take college courses as well. What began as a single class sparked a lifelong passion for education. She earned scholarships through the University of West Florida master’s program and later earned her Ph.D. from Nova University. Jacqueline began her teaching career at Woodham High School in 1975 and later became a founding faculty member of the International Baccalaureate Program at Pensacola High School. Following her work with the IB program, she served as Social Studies Specialist for the Escambia County School District and as Chair of the Escambia County History Fair. Throughout her distinguished career, she received numerous honors and recognitions, including participation in a special ceremony and luncheon at the White House. Jacqueline retired from the Escambia County School District in 2001, but retirement simply opened the door to new opportunities for service. She remained actively involved with the Escambia County History Fair, Freedom Foundations, and Winterfest in downtown Pensacola. As one of the individuals who helped establish Winterfest, she took great pride in watching it grow into a beloved community tradition. Above all, Jacqueline treasured her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Harley Sauve Yates and his wife, Pamela; her son, Michael Raymond Young; and Raymond Lewis Young.

Survivors include her son, Brian Young, and his wife, Tanya; her daughter-in-law, Antoinette Young; her grandchildren, Austin Young, McKenna Young, Nolan Young, Emily Young, Ian Young, and Isabella Young; and her great-grandchildren, Everett Young and Eleanor Young.

Jacqueline could often be found on her front porch enjoying a good book, chatting with neighbors, or tending to the flowers she loved so dearly. Until recently, she continued to find joy in gardening and creating beauty wherever she lived. Jacqueline leaves behind a legacy of learning, service, generosity, and love. She taught countless students, helped build treasured community traditions, and showed her family what it means to remain curious, engaged, and invested in the world around them. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00pm – 6:00pm Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Apple Annies, Seville Quarter, Pensacola, FL.