Mary Jacqueline (Jackie) LeGrande Gaddis, age 70 of Winnfield, Louisiana, received her angel wings on February 28, 2021 after a valiant battle with cancer. Jackie was born in Jena, Louisiana on July 20, 1950 to Mary Maxine Carrier LeGrande and John (Jack) Alfred LeGrande. Jackie was a graduate of Jena High School. Following high school, Jackie followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a licensed cosmetologist after attending Pineville Beauty School.
Jackie married the love of her life, Dr. Hughes Donavon “Bill” Gaddis, Jr. on August 8, 1970. They began their married life in Monroe, Louisiana and then moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where Jackie worked as a cosmetologist to put Bill through dental school. After dental school they moved in 1976 to Winnfield, Louisiana. Jackie and Bill were married for 50 years. To this union came Jackie and Bill’s greatest accomplishments, their two children, Dr. Todd Donavon Gaddis and Amy Melissa Gaddis Laing. Jackie’s two children gave her the greatest title – “Mimi”. Nothing made Jackie happier than spending time with her grandchildren Michael Donavon Laing, MaryClaire Mae Laing, Hudson Hughes Gaddis, and Londyn Jolie Gaddis. Jackie’s greatest enjoyments were vacations and holidays spent with her family. Throughout Bill and Jackie’s life together they enjoyed years of community service and were recognized as Grand Marshalls of the Winn Parish Christmas Parade in 2019. Bill always recognized Jackie as “the helpmate that God sent me for life and in everything I do.” She was the “WIND BENEATH HIS WINGS”.
Jackie loved life and lived it to the fullest. She and Bill loved traveling and literally traveled to the ends of the world. She was active in various organizations in Winn Parish: First Baptist Church Joy Sunday School Class, The Readers’ Review Club of Winnfield, Kisatchie Quilters Guild, Kings on the Corner, Nell’s Dizzy Dozen and various other Bridge Clubs. During her younger years she was a member of the Jaycee Jaynes. This organization provided her with friendships that literally lasted a lifetime. She was the ultimate friend and spent hours shopping and traveling with those that were blessed to call her “friend”. She was an artist at heart and loved trying new things. Her craft room is evidence of all the talents she possessed.
Most of all, Jackie was a fighter. She never let the world know her private battles with her cancer. Jackie never lost hope and was determined to beat cancer. Being a strong Christian, Jackie knows now that she did win the battle. Death from this earthly life gave her a life eternal. Upon reaching her heavenly home, Jackie was reunited with her parents, brother Randy LeGrande and favorite cousin Nancy Terral Cox.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband Bill, her children Todd and wife Kayla, Amy and husband Todd, and grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 4, at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Winnfield, Louisiana with Reverend Calvin Phelps officiating. Assisting Dr. Phelps will be Dr. Jerry Pipes, Reverend John Holland, and Mrs. Randy Cole. Interment will be in Jena, Louisiana at Jena Cemetery. Those honored to serve as pall bearers are Tim Page, Jacque Derr, Jason LeGrande, Don Cox, Ryan Cox, Jonathan Gaddis, and Shannon Blake. Honorary pall bearers are Dr. Jerry Williams, Jimmy Atherton, Skid Row Sunday School Class, Men’s Prayer Breakfast Group, Kiwanis Club, and the women’s groups of which Jackie was a member.
To celebrate the life of Jackie Gaddis, the family will receive friends at First Baptist Church on Wednesday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Winnfield (111 East Court Street, Winnfield, LA 71483) or the Community Food Pantry (Post Office Box 302, Winnfield, LA 71483).
Jackie lived her life with grace and dignity and will be missed by many.
Friends may express messages of condolence to the family online by visiting southernfuneralhome.com.
