Eleanor Rockhill Bird

She was born and raised in Trenton, NJ and had been a long-time resident of Jacksonville, FL before recently moving to East Palatka, FL. Eleanor was a 1958 graduate of Helene Fuld School of Nursing receiving her Registered Nurse (RN) degree and dedicated several years to nursing before stepping into the family business, Charles Chips located in Jacksonville.

She is preceded in death by her parents Clement and Clara Rockhill, husband John S. Bird, Sr., her son John (Jack) S. Bird, Jr., and grandson Garrett M. Jones.

She is survived by her daughter Jennifer C. Raulerson (Randy), grandchildren Brittany K. Jones, Kelsey A. Jones (Loren), Troy D. Bird (Sidney) and John R. Bird (Carisa), her great grandchildren Jayce, Mason, John, Claire and Sailor, her brother Charles (Pete) Rockhill, many nephews and nieces, and extended family members which she loved dearly.

Eleanor lived a life defined by love, strength, and fierce devotion to her family. She prayed hard and showed up for those she loved in a way that never wavered and found joy in the simple things of Sunday dinners, grandkids, a cup of coffee on the porch and gardening. She was affectionately nicknamed “Tour Guide” and known for being a wonderful road trip and adventure planner, always finding the best routes, hidden gems, and memorable stops along the way. Her love will live on in the values she taught, the traditions she created and the countless memories she gave us. We will miss her deeply—but heaven gained one of the very best!

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 27th from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Funeral Home, Legacy Lodge 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL. A Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 pm.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 28th at 10:00 am at Assumption Catholic Church, 2403 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL with Father Jason Trull officiating.

The family would like to thank Community Hospice and Palliative Care of Putnam County for their compassion and care. A special thank you to Eleanor’s caregiver Iyana (Shug), whose gentle heart, constant presence, and loving hands brought comfort and peace!