Ms. Jacklyn Gardner

Today we celebrate the life of Jacklyn Gardner, a woman whose compassion and faith left a mark on all who knew her.
Born to the late John Wesley Gardner, Sr. and Mahuldia Gardner, she was raised in a home rich in faith, with both parents serving as life-long members of Henshaw Chapel AME Church, where she first devoted her life to Christ.
Jacklyn gained her wings on January 10, 2025.
Although our hearts are heavy, we find solace in returning her spirit to its rightful place--- home with her Almighty Creator and the loved ones who have gone on before her.
Jacklyn took pleasure in writing poetry and short stories. During her school years, she was crowned Miss Jr. High, a title her oldest daughter would win years later, proudly wearing the same dress.
Jacklyn's voice gifted her the opportunity, to grace many stages and win numerous singing competitions.
She worked in retail and hospitality, and in the early 1970's served as a nurse's aide until the birth of her first child.
Over her lifetime, she was blessed with six children.
Though her relationships with each child were uniquely shaped, Jacklyn never shied away from sharing her life lessons no matter how pleasant or unpleasant they might have been.
She was blunt yet funny, strong yet caring----always ready to uplift others with her down-to-earth honesty.
Known affectionately by many as "Jack Attack", "Ma Dukes", "Mamma Gardner", or "Bad Mama Jamma", she was more than just a pillar in the community----she was the "cool" mom that everyone wanted to be around.
She was honored by the Council - At - Large for 15 years of service as a Community Advocate volunteering with the Central Ward PTA and participating in the SunUp program, where she helped provide breakfast and lunch for underprivileged children.
Jacklyn opened her doors to anyone who needed a homecooked meal. Her buttermilk biscuits, made with her mother's recipe, potato salad, and baked macaroni and cheese are legendary.
Jacklyn lived in Newark, New Jersey for over 55 years as a faithful choir member and servant at Congregational Baptist Church for the last two decades.
She is survived by Minnie Gardner and John Wesley, Jr. her oldest sister and brother, her younger sisters Luverne Davis and Vanice G. Moore, and her god sisters Mavis and Melissa. Her parents, and two sisters, Geraldine Mount and Marion Jones preceded her in death. She leaves behind six children; Terria M. Davis, M. Denise Daugett, Parenthysis Errica Gardner, Chermica R. Gardner, Arneze L. Gardner, and Jason T. Gardner; two sons-in-law, Glenn Davis and Eric Daugett, one daughter-in-law Syreeta Gardner, 14 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 10 extended kids through love, and one god daughter, a host of nieces and nephews and her lifelong partner in crime Anthony Utley.
Though she will be missed, we are thankful for every moment we were allowed to share. May her spirit continue to shine.
Homegoing services will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 12:00 noon at Henshaw Chapel AME Church in Cottondale, FL with Minister Barbara White, Rev. Lawrence Gantt, Rev. Marvin Henderson, Rev. Brenda Henderson, and Rev. Freddie Tellis officiating.
Interment will follow in the Bethlehem Church Cemetery with the caring staff of Peoples Funeral Home directing.
The body will lie in state at the church from11:00 am until funeral time at 12:00 noon. Send flowers to the service of Ms. Jacklyn Gardner