Jesslyn Riker King

Jesslyn Francis Riker was born on August 24, 1928 to Ethel May Thompson Riker and Clinton Wesley Riker in Palmetto, FL, the only girl among five brothers.

On February 25th, 1951 she married Richard L. “Dick” King, in Palmetto, FL, wearing a stunning wedding gown she had sewn herself. “Mom” would go on to make three more wedding gowns for her daughter, and her daughters- in-law, each with the patience and perfection for which she was known and loved.

After living in Palmetto, FL, Mineral Wells, TX, Lake City, FL, and Gainesville, FL, Dick and Jesslyn finally settled in Fernandina Beach where Dick retired as the Nassau County Road Engineer, and Jesslyn retired as the Office Manager at Humphries Memorial Hospital, which is now Baptist Hospital in Nassau County.

Mom was an active member of 1st Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach, originally located on Alachua Street, and The Fernandina Beach High School Booster Club. She was not only a mother to her own children, but to many young people – as she called them – that she always enjoyed.

Jesslyn’s early retirement years were spent with Dick in the mountains of Waynesville, NC, at their mountain home, collecting and buying antiques for their shop which gave her such pride. In later years her family was blessed to have her close, and she was able to do what she loved best; take care of Dick, her house, and be a “Grammy” to her twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Jesslyn was preceded in death by an infant son, Ricky; brothers, Everette Wayne, Lewis, and Donald. She is survived by her husband of sixty years, Richard ‘Dick” King; son, Ron (Susi); son, Gary (Barbara); daughter, Angelyn “Kay Kay” (Dave); and brothers David and Leland Riker.

She was a determined woman of strong Christian faith, a proper southern lady, a loving wife, a wonderful mother, and the very best Grammy in the world, and she will truly be missed.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm on Sunday, August 28th in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin. A Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, August 29th in the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218, with Pastor Randy Hale as Officiant.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.