Jacquelyn Venetta Gaskin was born May 8, 1945 in Murfreesboro, Arkansas to Clyde and Ruby Gaskin. Jackie passed away on July 8, 2018 surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter Qianna Bianca Arlene Gray, her father Clyde Gaskin, Sr., sister Helen Joyce Williams, brother Clyde Gaskin, Jr., and her niece Felicia Kinsey.
Jackie graduated from Lincoln High School in 1963. After high school, Jackie was employed for a short while at the Xerox Company. In 1965, she began her 33-year career at Hallmark Cards. While working at Hallmark, she met the love of her life, her life companion Hartzell Gray.
Jackie retired from Hallmark in 1998 after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Over the next 20 years Jackie bravely and without complaint battled lung, brain, and bone cancer. Jackie was a fighter, a true warrior to say the least. Through it all, Jackie remained positive and upbeat and never missed a holiday gathering at her mother's house. Hartzell made sure that Jackie's every need was met. Jackie loved to dance, take pictures and spend nearly every Saturday shopping with her sisters. Jackie took pride in her appearance and dressed to the nines every day. Her infectious smile and distinctive laugh could fill any room with joy.
She leaves to cherish her memories; her loving life companion Hartzell Gray, her mother Ruby Gaskin, three sisters, Shirley Lloyd (James), Sandra Jackson, and Cheree Speed. She also leaves to cherish her memories a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.