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Gigi Buckner Obituary
February 12, 1934 - January 11, 2025
Gigi Buckner passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, in Trinity, Florida, at the age of 90. Born on February 12, 1934, in Casablanca, Morocco, Gigi lived a remarkable life defined by resilience, compassion, and dedication to her family and community.
As a young girl during World War II, Gigi displayed extraordinary courage and empathy. At just ten years old, she served as a teacher and au pair for children of the Holocaust at the Maison d'Izieu in France. In 1944, amidst the horrors of war, Gigi helped these children find refuge from Nazi persecution. She was among the fortunate few who escaped with 18 others to safety-a testament to her strength and determination even at such a tender age.
Following these formative experiences, Gigi pursued higher education at the University of Paris before returning to her hometown of Casablanca. There, she worked at Nouasseur Air Base-then a United States Air Force installation and now known as Mohammed V International Airport. It was during her time at the airbase that she met her husband, Omar Braxton Buckner. Together, they built a life filled with love and shared adventures until Omar's passing in July 2001.
Gigi's life was one of boundless generosity and vision. She played an instrumental role in helping her parents and siblings relocate to the United States, settling in Florida. Through her efforts, she created opportunities for her family that reflected her deep commitment to their well-being and success. Her legacy is one of perseverance and selflessness-a foundation upon which generations have flourished.
Gigi was the beloved mother of three children: Steve Phillip Buckner (deceased January 2000), Carl Richard Buckner, and Yvette Buckner Pazos. She was also a cherished grandmother to Steve Phillip Buckner Jr., Nicole Buckner Smith, Derrick Scott Buckner, Noah Braxton Buckner, Devin Janvrin, and Sarah Janvrin; great-grandmother to Natalie Smith, Claire Smith, Elijah Graham Buckner, and Eliana Kay Buckner; and great-great-grandmother to Willow Janvrin, Emily Janvrin, and Ambrose Janvrin. Her family was her pride and joy-a testament to the enduring love she cultivated throughout her life.
A service to honor Gigi's life will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 10:45 a.m., at the National Cemetery in Bushnell (6502 SW 102nd Avenue Bushnell, FL 33513), Site 440-143. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gigi's memory to The Women's Zionist Organization of America (Hadassah) at [https://www.hadassah.org/donate](https://www.hadassah.org/donate).
Gigi's life story is one of inspiration-a narrative filled with courage during adversity and unwavering devotion to those she loved. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her and may she rest in eternal peace among the righteous.
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Marilu Sapashe
January 25, 2025
Gigi loved her card games. She will be sorely missed.
Marilu Sapashe
Judy Monahan
January 16, 2025
I remember my sweet friend looking so beautiful when my girls and I would pick her up for an event. I always told her she looked tres chic. I loved her fabulous sense of humor. We would laugh and giggle every time we were on the phone or together. I loved her so much and always will. Missing her will be devastating. She´s irreplaceable.
Nicole Smith
January 15, 2025
I loved staying the night at grandma's house growing up. She taught me French songs, made the best desserts, and would sew beautiful dresses for me to wear. I miss you more than I can put into words. She always told me that her family is her greatest blessing, and that God blessed her with the most wonderful life.
Lisa Rowell
January 14, 2025
I had the privilege to be with Gigi for a smidgen of time.
I had the nickname of nonstop Gigi. We'd start am and it would be almost dark by the time we finished all her beautiful projects.
She will forever be in my heart like "blue silk embellished with golden embroidery.
I enjoyed hearing all her stories of her well traveled days.
She told me Yvette treated her like a Queen and I was a witness to this.
I know she will be decorating heaven in Gigi's gorgeous style with all her loved ones that preceded and will oversee our journies.
I miss so much! So much!
Lisa Rowell
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Eduardo Perez
January 14, 2025
I'm so glad My little Daughter Kaylee and I met Gigi, My Daughter was seven, and she might forget that moment. Gigi and I talked for a little while, I may forget most of what we talked about, but I will never forget how full of energy she was , how many little nice stories she mentioned, and What will stay in my mind the longest will be the kindness I saw on her since the moment we met each other till the moment we said good bye. Good Bye Gigi
Millie Jordan
January 14, 2025
Yvette and Richard,
Your mother was a special friend to me. I will never forget all the wonderful times we shared. Like your grand fathers birthday with the beautiful belly dancer. What a blast! Your mom was talented beyond measure, and having viewed some of your creations I know that you are too. I'm so glad we were neighbors and friends. Lots of love, Millie Jordan
Melody Bohannon
January 14, 2025
I will always remember auntie Gigi stories about Casablanca, her time in France, moving to Mulberry. She had a phenomenal memory shared vivid details and give me a window into her world in the various periods.
Monique Kiggins
January 14, 2025
I will always remember no matter how many times I did cartwheels in my aunt Gigis house and broke things along the way she always hugged me and said my cartwheels were great!!
Rhonda Everman
January 14, 2025
Ms. Gigi has a very special spot in my heart. She was like a second Mom. One of my best memories is a party for Omar at the house in Mulberry. Lots of friends and family attended. She introduced me as " the other daughter". We shared laughs and tears. Sitting with her going over pictures and listening to her cherishes stories. She will be greatly missed. Love you, Rhonda
Rhonda Everman
January 14, 2025
Ms. Gigi has a very special place in my heart. She was my second Mom. We shared laughs and tears. My best memory was being invited to a party for Omar at the house in Mulberry. There were lots of family members and friends that attended. She introduced me as her "other daughter". She treated me like one of her own. We often sat and she shared cherished photos and many interesting stories. She was loved by many friends and will deeply be missed. Love you Ms Gigi, Rhonda
Liora Davis
January 14, 2025
My Mom Suzanne was Gigi`s first cousin. My mom loved Gigi like a sister and was very close. Gigi comforted my mom a lot in these last couple of years after my mom had a debilitating stroke. Gigi was always calling her and checking on her and asking if she needed anything.She even sent her a vase of beautiful silk roses that she keeps on her table. I know my mom misses her and will miss her so much and miss her kindness and support.
Tina Bean (Bohannon)
January 14, 2025
Always cooking for her family and smiling while she did so.
Shirley Adams
January 14, 2025
Living down the street and playing with her kids. My friend Susan Resmondo and I helped her with a wedding reception in Lakeland one time and it was fun. Gigi also made my wedding cake when I got married. She was a very sweet lady to me and everyone she knew.
Marilyn Reynard
January 13, 2025
I met Gigi, Yvette´s mom, over 25 years ago. Gigi was a smart, caring and a kind person. Always dressed to a T! She lit up a room with her special flair.
I´m thinking about her wonderful laugh and smile. I´ll always miss her warm heart and her warm hugs.
It´s truly a blessing to have known her.
Patsy Blount
January 13, 2025
Charlie & Patsy Blount Wedding Cake- Gigi made both the cakes- Chocolate for the Grooms Cake and White for the beautiful bride Patsy. Gigi was amazing and be so talented; making special moments for so many during their most precious moments.
Susan Resmondo Hill
January 13, 2025
I have known Gigi since I was 3 years old. She and her family were our neighbors. She was a wonderful lady a second mother in so many ways. I knew if I ever needed her help she would be there for me. My love for her runs deep and I will miss her so much. I'm sending prayers to Richard & Yvette and the whole family I know how hard this is for you and I will be here for you anytime just as Gigi was for all of us through the years. May she Rest in peace.
Yolanda Graham
January 12, 2025
Although I have only had the pleasure of meeting Gigi a few times in person, I must say EVERY SINGLE time I was in her presence, I was met with a GENUINE and warm smile.
My first encounter with Gigi was filled with anxiety because my African American daughter was marrying into Gigi´s family. I was very alert and anxiety filled. Will my daughter be loved and accepted? Will she be merely tolerated? Will she be hated and mistreated? As a mother, I was extremely concerned. I had previously met with Carl, and knew for a 100% fact I had no pause for concern with him.
ALL of my anxieties faded immediately upon meeting with both Gigi and Yvette. They both GENUINELY gave my daughter and the rest of our family the most loving embraces of acceptance. We spent the rest of the day easily chatting the day away like old and familiar friends.
May she now take her rest, and may she rest in peace.
Eric and Yolanda Graham
Laura Bohannon-Myers
January 12, 2025
I will miss her lighting candles and prayers! Her love was deep and she showed it to us in beautiful ways. I will miss you Aunt Gigi
Cheryl Green
January 12, 2025
Yvette and Dan, I am very sorry to hear of the passing of GiGi. Losing a love one is so painful. Please extend my sincere condolences to your family. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
With Sorrow
Cheryl Green
(Tamarra Snowden´s sis)
Yvette Pazos
January 12, 2025
May The Memories Keep Us In Comfort- Until We Meet Again-
"Oh God, full of compassion, who dwells on high, grant true rest upon the wings of the Divine Presence, in the exalted spheres of the holy and pure ... Therefore, may the All-Merciful One shelter her with the cover of His wings forever, and bind her soul in the bond of life. The Lord is her heritage, may she rest in her resting-place in peace; and let us say:
May God remember the soul of my respected mother [Gigi Buckner] who has passed to her eternal rest. I pledge charity in her behalf and pray that her soul be kept among the immortal souls of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Leah, and all the righteous men and women in paradise. Amen.
I can hardly breathe- I miss her already so much - she took a piece of me that left a hole that feels larger than all the oceans combined. I know she´s in a place of heaven and with loved ones. Some how that´s not enough to take away the pain.
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