Obituary for Sallie Rae Jacobs of Jefferson City, Missouri

Sallie Rae (Moses) Jacobs, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away at home on Monday at the age of 83, according to Legacy reporting from Houser-Millard Funeral Directors.

Surrounded by her loving family at the time of her passing, Jacobs left behind a legacy deeply woven into the civic and educational fabric of Jefferson City. From her decades of leadership with alumni associations to her tireless work supporting veterans, her life bridged a sprawling chapter of mid-Missouri history.

Early Years and Hardship in Rural Missouri

Born on August 28, 1943, in Black, Missouri, to the late George and Bessie (Francis) Moses, Jacobs entered a world defined by both the warmth of a large family and profound early trials. As the youngest of twelve children, she grew up amid immense loss.

A devastating childhood fire claimed three of her siblings and left her sister Lena with severe burns. Tragedy struck the family again in 1948 when her father was killed in a truck accident.

Following these hardships, the family relocated to Jefferson City. That move brought a stark culture shock for Jacobs, who transitioned from the intimate setting of a one-room schoolhouse to the bustling halls of a large, multi-classroom school.

Building a Community Legacy

Jacobs graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1960. She remained deeply connected to her alma mater throughout her life, proudly identifying as a Jaybird and serving for many years as the Class of 1960 Reunion Coordinator.

Her commitment to local education extended to leading the Jefferson City Public Schools Alumni Association as its President. During her tenure, she spearheaded the construction of the Veterans Memorial Plaque, honoring all Jefferson City Public School alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

While her children were young and attending East Elementary School—her own childhood alma mater—she served as an active PTO volunteer. She helped change the school mascot from the East School Devils to the East School Eagles and organized East School’s first published yearbook, alongside serving as a room mother and Girl Scout leader.

Public Service and Professional Life

Beyond her volunteer work, Jacobs built a diverse professional career supporting state agencies and local institutions. Her public service began with the Missouri Highway Patrol Troop F, followed by roles at the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Division of Professional Registration, and the Division of Employment Security.

She worked for the Democratic Headquarters. She was a Licensed Real Estate Agent. Demonstrating a relentless work ethic, she balanced these commitments by working evenings and weekends as a part-time ER Registration Clerk at St. Mary’s Hospital before transitioning into a full-time role there.

Championing Local Veterans

Jacobs dedicated much of her later life to honoring veterans, a passion rooted in the pride she had for her two older sisters who were in the U.S. Marine Corps. She was an auxiliary member of American Legion Unit 5—serving in roles including President, Membership Secretary, and Chaplain—as well as the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Marine Corps League.

Her volunteer efforts extended to Quilts of Valor, Operation Bugle Boy, Wreaths for Heroes, and the Veterans Council. She also founded Wristbands for Heroes, spending weekends selling wristbands to support the K9s on the Front Line and Safety Net.

Jacobs Is Survived by Daughters, Son, and Siblings

Jacobs is survived by her daughters, Julie Engelbrecht (Michael) of Eugene, Mo, and Leigh Ann Stokes of Jefferson City, Mo; her son, Steve Jacobs (Shelle) of Koeltztown, Mo; and her sisters, Donna Montgomery (Bill) and Sue Kliethermes. She also leaves behind grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, several siblings, son-in-law Randy Stokes, and multiple brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Friends and family will be received from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at Houser-Millard, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to any local Veterans association.

Keep reading