Jackie was born on November 17, 1937 in Evansville, IN to Kenella LaVerne and Clifford Parrish. She met Gary Govi and moved to Des Moines, where they were married in 1955. Jackie was a Licensed Practical Nurse and graduated from Des Moines Area Community College with an Associate of Science degree in Human Services. She worked as a nurse at Mercy Hospital and for private physicians, focusing on pediatrics. She was later hired to set up the infant and toddler nursery at Tiny Tots. She co-founded a support group, “Mothers’ Club” for mothers of children with special needs following the birth of her twin daughters, Nancy Kay and Karen Ann.
Jackie was an avid NASCAR fan, and enjoyed spending time with her family, snuggling with her dog Sophie, traveling, cooking, flower gardening, and watching Dancing with the Stars. She was a guest on The Price is Right and The Art Linkletter Show, and in 1989 she was honored by WHO TV as a “Super Mom.”
Jackie was born on November 17, 1937 in Evansville, IN to Kenella LaVerne and Clifford Parrish. She met Gary Govi and moved to Des Moines, where they were married in 1955. Jackie was a Licensed Practical Nurse and graduated from Des Moines Area Community College with an Associate of Science degree in Human Services. She worked as a nurse at Mercy Hospital and for private physicians, focusing on pediatrics. She was later hired to set up the infant and toddler nursery at Tiny Tots. She co-founded a support group, “Mothers’ Club” for mothers of children with special needs following the birth of her twin daughters, Nancy Kay and Karen Ann.
Jackie was an avid NASCAR fan, and enjoyed spending time with her family, snuggling with her dog Sophie, traveling, cooking, flower gardening, and watching Dancing with the Stars. She was a guest on The Price is Right and The Art Linkletter Show, and in 1989 she was honored by WHO TV as a “Super Mom.”