Obituary for Jacqueline Lee Bryan
Jacqueline Lee Bryan
1924-2021
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Godly ones. Psalm 116:15 NASB
Jacqueline “Jackie” Lee Bryan, (aka , “mom”, “grandma”, “granny”), went to be with the Lord on April 23, 2021. She was the proud matriarch of the family and adored her children, grandchildren, great grand children, and multitudes of “adopted” grandchildren. Those who knew her, loved her and she loved them…even if she just met them. She didn’t know a stranger. She loved God and the love of God emanated from her. She left a heart-shaped impression on all she met. If you are reading this and know her, you are probably smiling (possibly chuckling) thinking of her humor and spunk. When asked the secret to her longevity, she always replied, “Jesus and ice cream.” She hoped to live long enough to get her picture on a jar of Smucker’s jelly, but I’m sure seeing Jesus a little sooner was better than living to be 100.
Jackie was born in Los Angeles, CA on October 27, 1924. She was the only child of Francis (Jimmy) and Avanelle Gentle. They resided in Fresno, but due to the high valley temperatures during the summer, her mother went to stay with an aunt in L.A. to complete her pregnancy. At the age of 6, her father took a job at Weill’s Department Store and the family relocated to Bakersfield where she lived until her passing. She attended Kern County High School (BHS), graduating in 1942. She often shared fond memories of being a songleader for the Drillers. However, after December 7, 1941, many young men left school to serve in WWII. After graduation, she worked at Minter Field Basic Training Facility in Shafter.
Jackie married her first husband during the war and in October 1946, they welcomed their first daughter, Sandra Lee. Dana Lynn followed in 1953, and Terri Kay in 1958. This would begin her long career as a mother and homemaker. She divorced in 1964.
Jackie married Paul Bryan in 1966 and they enjoyed many wonderful years until his death in 2002. They spent summers in Trinidad, CA where Paul salmon fished and she continued to collect lasting friendships and priceless memories - most of them with Dorothy Bond of Oregon. They were the Lucy and Ethel of the RV park. This friendship would produce many quilts for an orphanage in Cabo San Lucas and led to trips to the orphanage. Volunteering in the orphanage was a highlight of their retirement.
Jackie became a follower of Jesus in 1970 and her new church family added to her repertoire of love. She was a member of Sunshine Church for decades where she taught Sunday School, led the Ladies Circle, and served on the visitation team with Wanda Lou Hardy (another Lucy and Ethel duo). They developed a deep friendship and delivered joy to shut-ins and the sick. In 1998, Jackie joined Celebration Church of Rosedale, expanding her “family.” Led by her loving pastors, Mark and Kim Roberts, the Celebration family honored and adored her. She rarely missed a Sunday service (prior to COVID). It was the highlight of her week. She served as a Greeter and welcomed attendees as they entered the sanctuary. A fitting position for this “people person.”
Jackie spoke often about her many blessings – especially her family and friends. She was so thankful to live a long, healthy life. She treasured her independence and she praised God that she was able to live in her home that she shared with Paul for so long. Her positive attitude was infectious. She always said she didn’t want to be a “grouchy old lady” and she never was! She was always the most popular guest at any gathering.
Jackie Bryan is survived by children Chris and Sandy Hale, Eldon and Dana Ross, Raymond and Terri Dobbs; grandchildren Scott Hale, Jeff and Kristi Shepherd, Colby Ross, Dustin and Leah Ross, Steve and Staci Kay, Travis and Amy Dobbs; great-grandchildren Michael and Lauren Manning, Chelsea Hale, Chase and Megan Shepherd, Jordan Shepherd, Taylor Ross, Reagan Ross, Isaac Dobbs, Devon and Ashley Zinn, Austin Kay, Gavin Kay, Grayson Kay; and great-great grandson D.J. Zinn; as well as the extended Glen Dobbs family; her dear neighbors of almost 50 years Don and Marsha Wriggle and Maria Iturriria; and a host of friends of ALL ages. (In-laws and step grandchildren are not identified as such because Jackie never made that distinction.)
The word “love” has been mentioned multiple times in this tribute, but one cannot talk about the life of Jackie Bryan without the word “love.” I cannot emphasize enough how much she loved and was loved. She will be sorely missed. Thank you, for the wealth of happy memories, Mom. Thank you for teaching us all how to love, laugh (a lot), persevere, and grow old gracefully.
Her children stand and bless her… There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all. Proverbs 31: 28-29
There will be a public graveside service at Greenlawn on River Blvd., at 12:00pm, May 7, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 pm at Celebration Church of the Northwest, 10011 Rosedale Hwy.
1924-2021
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Godly ones. Psalm 116:15 NASB
Jacqueline “Jackie” Lee Bryan, (aka , “mom”, “grandma”, “granny”), went to be with the Lord on April 23, 2021. She was the proud matriarch of the family and adored her children, grandchildren, great grand children, and multitudes of “adopted” grandchildren. Those who knew her, loved her and she loved them…even if she just met them. She didn’t know a stranger. She loved God and the love of God emanated from her. She left a heart-shaped impression on all she met. If you are reading this and know her, you are probably smiling (possibly chuckling) thinking of her humor and spunk. When asked the secret to her longevity, she always replied, “Jesus and ice cream.” She hoped to live long enough to get her picture on a jar of Smucker’s jelly, but I’m sure seeing Jesus a little sooner was better than living to be 100.
Jackie was born in Los Angeles, CA on October 27, 1924. She was the only child of Francis (Jimmy) and Avanelle Gentle. They resided in Fresno, but due to the high valley temperatures during the summer, her mother went to stay with an aunt in L.A. to complete her pregnancy. At the age of 6, her father took a job at Weill’s Department Store and the family relocated to Bakersfield where she lived until her passing. She attended Kern County High School (BHS), graduating in 1942. She often shared fond memories of being a songleader for the Drillers. However, after December 7, 1941, many young men left school to serve in WWII. After graduation, she worked at Minter Field Basic Training Facility in Shafter.
Jackie married her first husband during the war and in October 1946, they welcomed their first daughter, Sandra Lee. Dana Lynn followed in 1953, and Terri Kay in 1958. This would begin her long career as a mother and homemaker. She divorced in 1964.
Jackie married Paul Bryan in 1966 and they enjoyed many wonderful years until his death in 2002. They spent summers in Trinidad, CA where Paul salmon fished and she continued to collect lasting friendships and priceless memories - most of them with Dorothy Bond of Oregon. They were the Lucy and Ethel of the RV park. This friendship would produce many quilts for an orphanage in Cabo San Lucas and led to trips to the orphanage. Volunteering in the orphanage was a highlight of their retirement.
Jackie became a follower of Jesus in 1970 and her new church family added to her repertoire of love. She was a member of Sunshine Church for decades where she taught Sunday School, led the Ladies Circle, and served on the visitation team with Wanda Lou Hardy (another Lucy and Ethel duo). They developed a deep friendship and delivered joy to shut-ins and the sick. In 1998, Jackie joined Celebration Church of Rosedale, expanding her “family.” Led by her loving pastors, Mark and Kim Roberts, the Celebration family honored and adored her. She rarely missed a Sunday service (prior to COVID). It was the highlight of her week. She served as a Greeter and welcomed attendees as they entered the sanctuary. A fitting position for this “people person.”
Jackie spoke often about her many blessings – especially her family and friends. She was so thankful to live a long, healthy life. She treasured her independence and she praised God that she was able to live in her home that she shared with Paul for so long. Her positive attitude was infectious. She always said she didn’t want to be a “grouchy old lady” and she never was! She was always the most popular guest at any gathering.
Jackie Bryan is survived by children Chris and Sandy Hale, Eldon and Dana Ross, Raymond and Terri Dobbs; grandchildren Scott Hale, Jeff and Kristi Shepherd, Colby Ross, Dustin and Leah Ross, Steve and Staci Kay, Travis and Amy Dobbs; great-grandchildren Michael and Lauren Manning, Chelsea Hale, Chase and Megan Shepherd, Jordan Shepherd, Taylor Ross, Reagan Ross, Isaac Dobbs, Devon and Ashley Zinn, Austin Kay, Gavin Kay, Grayson Kay; and great-great grandson D.J. Zinn; as well as the extended Glen Dobbs family; her dear neighbors of almost 50 years Don and Marsha Wriggle and Maria Iturriria; and a host of friends of ALL ages. (In-laws and step grandchildren are not identified as such because Jackie never made that distinction.)
The word “love” has been mentioned multiple times in this tribute, but one cannot talk about the life of Jackie Bryan without the word “love.” I cannot emphasize enough how much she loved and was loved. She will be sorely missed. Thank you, for the wealth of happy memories, Mom. Thank you for teaching us all how to love, laugh (a lot), persevere, and grow old gracefully.
Her children stand and bless her… There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all. Proverbs 31: 28-29
There will be a public graveside service at Greenlawn on River Blvd., at 12:00pm, May 7, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 pm at Celebration Church of the Northwest, 10011 Rosedale Hwy.