Jackie Lewis

Jacqueline Lee Avance Lewis, affectionately known as Jackie, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025, at her home in Glendale, California, surrounded by her loving husband, Preston, and devoted sister, Dawn.
Born on June 23, 1961, in Fairbanks, Alaska, to Lt. Col. Donald Avance and Marie Barratt Avance, Jackie spent her early years traveling with her family before settling in Austin, Texas. She graduated from Lanier High School, where she was a proud and active member of the Lanier FFA. Jackie's love for animals and agriculture led her to raise and show steers at the Austin Travis County Livestock Show.
Jackie began her professional journey with State Farm before moving on to the Texas Department of State Health Services, steadily advancing in her career, attaining Director of Enforcement for the Texas WIC program, all while pursuing higher education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Management/Marketing from Park University, graduating Cum Laude.
In 2000, Jackie met the love of her life, Preston Lewis, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. They soon married and moved to California, where she joined Royer Labs. Her time at Royer included the unforgettable experience of attending the Grammy Awards when the company received a Grammy for their innovative microphone technology.
Jackie lived life to the fullest. Alongside Preston and their son Tyler, she embraced the outdoors running, hiking, skiing, fishing, camping, and, more recently, sailing, one of Preston's greatest passions. Jackie's own passion was travel, and she cherished exploring the world with her husband and friends.
Known for her infectious laugh, radiant smile, and boundless warmth, Jackie had the remarkable ability to make everyone feel like a friend. She never met a stranger and never backed down from a challenge.
Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Marie Avance. She is survived by her beloved husband, Preston, and their son, Tyler Lewis; her sister, Dawn Liesmann (Ricky Gonzales); brothers Derek Avance (DeAnne) and Nick Avance (Elizabeth); nieces and nephews Jacob (Brittney), Kendall (Koby), Denise (Brian), Debbie (Steve), Victoria, and Andrew; and great-nieces and nephews Wade, Cole, Hallie, Emersyn, Fiona, Lincoln, Elise, Keira, and William.
She will be forever missed by a vast circle of cherished friends from every corner of the country a special nod to her California clan (you know who you are) and her beloved Austin tribe. Simply the best.
In Jackie's own words, "Ciao."