Jacqueline Burgin Painter

Jacqueline (Jackie) Burgin Painter, age 90, of Sylva, passed away peacefully at her home on September 25, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Born in Hot Springs, North Carolina, Jackie was a longtime resident of Sylva. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Burke Painter. She is survived by her sister, Linda Burgin; her children, Debby Painter Cowan (Kim), Randall Painter (Claudia), and Julie Painter Roddenberry (Dave); six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one niece; and three nephews.

Jackie spent her childhood on the banks of the French Broad River in Hot Springs, where she developed a lifelong passion for the stories and history of Madison County. This passion led her to author five books, most notably The German Invasion of Western North Carolina. She was also a dedicated advocate for the preservation of historic culture and properties in the region. Her contributions were recognized with the “Historical Book” award from the North Carolina Society of Historians on three occasions.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Dorland Memorial Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 307, Hot Springs, NC 28743, or to Four Seasons Hospice at fourseasonsfdn.org

A funeral service will be held at Sylva Presbyterian Church, where Jackie was the longest-serving member. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, with lunch to follow.