Natalie Burghardt Jackson

Natalie Burghardt Jackson passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020. She was born March 6, 1950 in Greenville, SC to Shirley and Glenn Burghardt (Pearl Harbor Survivor). She was raised in Greenwood, SC. Following graduation from Greenwood High School, she attended Newberry College in Newberry, SC. There she thrived. She was a member of the Newberry College cheerleading squad. She also starred as Liza Doolittle in the College’s production of Pygmalion. Following running at Newberry College, the play toured the Southeastern states where she was often asked for her autograph by young girls. In addition, she was the late-night disc jockey for the school’s radio station and little sister for the Kappa Alpha fraternity.

It was at Newberry that she met her future husband, Ron Jackson. They met on a blind date arranged by her fellow cheerleader, Reggie Gruztmacher. After one year of dating and a one-year engagement, they were married on June 2, 1973.

Following graduation, she took a teaching position in McCormick, SC. This was the beginning of her life-long passion for teaching special education and children with learning disabilities. While teaching full time, she earned her master’s degree from Clemson University. Over a 37-year career teaching children with special needs she influenced the lives of hundreds of young people. Many went on to college, successful lives and often stayed in contact with her over the years. One calling her in her final hours. After teaching in South Carolina, Georgia and Coral Springs, Fl, she retired from the Duval County School System in 2011.

Even more important to her was her family. After a few years of marriage, they decided, together, for Ron to go to graduate school at The University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Her support and patience guided them through the challenges of graduate school. While living in married student housing both of their beloved daughters were born. Brooke (born 1978) now lives in Piedmont, CA with her husband, Eric Wall and children, George, Margaret and the cherished memory of her son, Jackson. Anna (born 1981) lives in St. Johns, FL with her husband, Dr. Kevin Neal and two sons, Charlie, and Owen.

Natalie was a loving and supportive wife of 47 years. She and Ron were able to travel the entire country together and to many foreign destinations. Their last trip being the beautiful country of Ireland. She was the best wife any man could ever want. And she was the best mother any daughter could ask for; camping out, making s’mores and attending every game. She was always there for her daughters. In addition to being president of the PTA and Brownie troop leader, she was their best friend for life. She was the rock that her family’s spiritual life was built on. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was an active member of Shepard of The Woods Lutheran Church, once going on a Church mission trip to the Navajo Nation Reservation. She often was a lay reader of The Lesson during the Church services and faithfully attended the meetings of the Deercreek Bible study group. Furthermore, she actively supported her friend, Betty Metz, who established the Jacksonville charity, Books A Go-Go. The purpose of which is to get books into the hands of underprivileged children.

In addition to her immediate family, she is also survived by her loving siblings, Lynn Garvin (Ben), Ken Burghardt (Joanne), Craig Burghardt (Donna) and Lisa Burghardt. Also, she has been supported by loving friends, Betty Metz, Brenda Edwards, Paige Yauger, Jan Malick and many others from the Deercreek Women’s Alliance, The Garden Club, her tennis team, her exercise class, the Deercreek community and her beloved Bible Study Group. And our dear friends from South Florida, Phill and Cathy Proctor. Her high school friends, Ann Westerlund and Jennie Heath Huttler were in constant contact. Finally, we are so indebted for the compassionate guidance of JoAnn Kuclick and Natalie’s devoted caregiver, Otilia Cruz

A small service of family and dear friends will be held at Shepard of the Woods Lutheran Church (TBA). And later (“Post Covid-19”) a celebration of her amazing life will be held at the Deercreek Country Club.

• In lieu of Flowers, contributions can be made to her favorite charity:

BOOKS A GO GO

Attn: Mrs. Betty Metz

10076 Heather Lake Court

Jacksonville, Fl 32256

Natalie’s first line in Pygmalion:

THE FLOWER GIRL (Natalie). “Nah then, Freddy: look wh' y' gowin, deah”.

FREDDY. After knocking her down as he rushes off in the rain: “Sorry”

THE FLOWER GIRL [picking up her scattered flowers and replacing them in the basket] “There's menners f' yer! Te-oo banches o voylets trod into the mad”

She sits down sorting her flowers. She is perhaps eighteen. She wears a little sailor hat of black straw that has long been exposed to the soot of London. Her hair needs washing rather badly. She wears a shoddy black coat that reaches nearly to her knees. She has a brown skirt with a coarse apron. Her boots are much the worse for wear. and she needs the services of a dentist.

Natalie’s Birthday verse. Proverbs 11:18

“A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward”

Natalie’s favorite football cheer:

“1st and 10, do it again!”

(when asked what 1st and 10 meant…she had no clue)