Sylvia "Joby" Gainey Jackson

November 3rd, 2021, Sylvia “Joby” Gainey Jackson, went home to be with Jesus. She has gone to Heaven with those whom she loved who preceded her. These include her parents, Alonzo H. Gainey Sr. and Nancy Kathleen Gainey, siblings Alonzo H. Gainey Jr., Daisy Lynch Godwin, Kevin Gainey, and her precious son, Michael W. Lennon.

Joby was born in Wilmington, NC and then raised in nearby Leland. After starting a family, she returned to Wilmington to raise her children. She was a faithful member of Leland Baptist Church from childhood until 1978. She spent many years serving as a Choir Director, singing in the choir, beautifully playing the piano and driving the church van, first for Fellowship Baptist Church until 1990, and then Castle Hayne Baptist Church. The latter at which she led the Senior Adult Choir and founded the Ladies Ensemble. Her work in service to the Lord continued at Olivet Baptist Church when they needed a piano player and Music Director. In 2019, Joby joined Wrightsboro Baptist Church where she dutifully attended until her death.

Alongside a legacy of servitude and love of worship, she leaves behind three beloved children. George Jackson, Nancy Goff, and Beth Mims. Her five grandsons, whom she loved and adored, include David Jackson (Sara), Jay Locklear, Chase Goff, Rhett Holland and Ryder Mims. Her sister, Pat Gregory, and her brothers Ernie (Shirley) Gainey and Trent Gainey. Brother in law, Donald Godwin; Sister in law, Bobbie Sellers; and daughter in law, Krystal Stirewalt Horne. Her numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends all feel the weight of her loss.

Her services will be November 11, 2021 at Crosswinds Church, 445 Lanvale Rd Leland, NC 28451. Visitation at 6pm with memorial service following at 7pm. Pallbeareres will be her nephews, Steve Gainey, Brett Gainey, Marcus Gainey, Thurston Lynch, and Ernest Gainey, along with her grandsons as well.

Mama loved Jesus and loved her family. Her heart’s desire was that her family will be with her in Heaven. She mournfully missed Michael for 22 years and longed to be with him one day. She is talking with Michael now and he can surely hear her too! She is the daughter of the King and is with her Father. We cannot begin to imagine life without her, but have a peace knowing she is where she was longing to be.

Her favorite saying was always, “God can take what’s wrong and make it right.”

It’s that simple folks.

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