Gretchen Rachelle Jackson

Gretchen Rachelle Jackson fought a long, four-year battle with cancer. On February 12, 2025, Gretchen Rachelle Schwartz finally succumbed in Jacksonville, Florida. Gretchen followed her strong faith in Christ throughout her four-year struggle with cancer; in fact, her faith was what she relied upon not only throughout her cancer battle but her whole life. She was supported by family and friends.

Gretchen was born September 5, 1971, in Tampa, Florida to James Frederick Schwartz and Kathleen Theresa Timmons Schwartz. She was able to grow up in St. Augustine, Florida. She attended parochial schools (St Joseph’s) there. After high school, she attended Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, North Carolina where she ran cross-country. She earned a bachelor’s degree in special education; later, she earned a master’s degree in Exceptional Education from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. She spent 27 years plying her special needs students with love, understanding, and special care.

Not only did she spend her time as an educator, but she also liked to run. Exercise was a big part of her life. Gretchen also loved serving in her local church (teaching children weekly there as well), coaching soccer, trips to the beach, scary movies, reading and even joined a Book club too because she loved her friends as much as the books she read. One love she shared with her wonderful family was her love for animals, dogs especially. Her greatest love was for her family.

Gretchen married David Sessions Jackson July 12, 1997. They had 28 wonderful years together. Together they have two wonderful daughters, Sarah and Jordan. Sarah lives in Jacksonville and is a local college student; Jordan is a college student at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She is survived by her parents. James and Kathleen Schwartz of St. Augustine, Florida; her sister, Teressa (Ted) Tribble; her brother, James (Lynn) Schwartz, Jr. Springfield, Virginia; Special relative, Matthew Burkholder of St. Augustine, Florida; Nephews, Paul, Joseph and Samuel Schwartz, and Matthew, Adam, and Jacob Burkholder.

The Memorial service for Gretchen will be held at Spring Glen Methodist Church (6007 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL) on March 1, 2025, at 11 am. The Reverend’s Donald Thompson and Jay Therrell will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers are asking you to contribute to St Jude’s Hospital or her church, Spring Glen Methodist Church.