Jacquelyne "Jackie" Fore Garrett

Jacquelyne “Jackie” Fore Garrett was born at home in Mars Bluff (SC) on November 25, 1928, the sixth of ten children of Austin Homer and Harriett Henselee (Paraham) Fore.She attended Florence High School and Florence Business College, from which she graduated in 1947.She met her future husband, Hubert John Garrett, Sr. at a church social at Mizpah Baptist Church after he returned from serving in World War II.They married in 1948, and other than a few years in Sumter early in their marriage, she lived in Florence all her life. Jackie worked most of her career at the South Carolina Department of Social Services, where she was a supervisor.She was a charter member and first president of the Wild Rose Garden Club, a member and president of the Police Wives Auxiliary, and later in life, a member and president of the SC Retired State Employees Association and a member of the Archibald Rutledge Literary Club. Jackie joined St. Paul United Methodist Church after her children, Sylvia Garrett Garner (Melbourne, Florida) and Hubert John (Sherry Marshall) Garrett, Jr., were born.Very active in her children’s lives, she taught 5th grade Sunday school at St. Paul for many years, was a Girl Scout leader who braved camping trips, and was a member and officer in the PTA in her children’s schools. Sewing, flower arranging, needlework, baking, and painting were just a few of her talents.She lived by the motto that she could do anything she put her mind to doing, so it’s no wonder that her favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”She entertained her many friends at dinner parties, luncheons, and other gatherings.She welcomed her children’s friends into her home, and as they grew older, she hosted bridal and baby showers for them, too. Jackie loved God, her family, and her friends, but her greatest joy in life was becoming a grandmother to Garrett and Jacquelyne Garner (Florida) and Hugh and Holly Kathryn Garrett (Florence).She loved spending time with her grandchildren, especially weeks during summers that included swimming, tea parties, tennis, horseback riding, cards, and guessing Jeopardy questions.The last week of her life from her hospital bed, she talked about her grandchildren:what classes were the girls taking next term in college?Was Garrett ready for his wedding?How did Hugh like his new job?She was an amazing grandmother, and her grandchildren will always love “Grandmama.” After retiring in 1990, Jackie and Hubert took trips throughout the US and Canada, moved back to Mars Bluff, and re-joined Mizpah Baptist Church; every week, Jackie enjoyed visits from Mizpah members who brought sermon recordings and food to Jackie after she could no longer attend services. Throughout her life, friends characterized Jackie as a faithful Christian, wise, strong, witty, and a good listener.She died on Sunday, April 28, after a brief hospitalization during which she never lost her sense of humor, teasing the hospital staff during her last week of life. She is survived by many who love her, including her children John and Sylvia, her four grandchildren, her sister Evelyn Bryant (Florence), and many nieces and nephews.She was predeceased by her Hubert, her husband of 63 years, her parents, and eight of her siblings. A small family graveside service was held on April 30, and a memorial service to celebrate Jackie’s life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, May 18 at Mizpah Baptist church. The family requests contributions to Mizpah Baptist Church (233 North Price Road, Florence, SC, 29506) in honor of the kindness and love shown to Jackie by the youth pastor, youth, children, and so many of the members there.