Obituary for Jennifer Qualey French

Jennifer Qualey French, 67, of Pulaski passed peacefully with her loved ones by her side on August 29.  Jenni was born on January 27, 1953 in Charleston, SC to the late John Patrick Qualey and Lea Holt Qualey. She was also preceded in death by her brother Jimmy Qualey, and sisters, Mary Bear, Gwen Kelley, and Judy Bevon.  She is survived by her husband Tommy French, daughter Lea Monday and husband Doug of Max Meadows, son Council Compton of Pulaski, her honorary daughter Rachel Simmers of Pulaski, and two grandchildren Mason and Keily Monday. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack and Jana Qualey of Burlington, VT, Joe and Heidi Qualey of Charleston, SC, her sister and brother-in-law Gina and Cletus Keating of Golden, CO, brother-in-law Mike French, sister-in-law Leslie Worrell Queen both of Pulaski, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. The family extends its gratitude to Sheila Akers of Max Meadows, Jenni’s personal care aide who showed her so much love and compassion over the past few years and became a member of the family. We would also like to thank Cheryl Morgan of Max Meadows who recently helped with Jenni’s care.

Jenni was full of life with a smile and laugh that could light up a room.  She loved her family beyond measure.   She was also the teller of many funny stories.  Those who knew her would agree that she was truly one of a kind.

She was diagnosed with Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy in 1989 and her fight began.  She battled through the darkness of this disease and never lost her faith that even if a cure wasn’t found during her lifetime that one would be found nonetheless.  Her strength and determination were forces to be reckoned with.

Jenni was a longtime member of the Pulaski First United Methodist Church.

The family will receive visitors at Seagle Funeral Home on Saturday, September 5 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life to follow at 3:00 p.m., officiated by the Rev. Will Shelton, and special speaker David Shumate.  A private family burial will held at a later date.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, P.O. Box 97075, Washington, DC 20090-7075, or by visiting www.mda.org, or to the Pulaski First United Methodist Church, 135 4th Street N.W., Pulaski, VA 24301.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.seaglefuneralhome.com  Arrangements by Seagle Funeral Home, Pulaski.