Jacqueline Gaskins Scott

Jacqueline Gaskins Scott departed this life on April 7, 2026. She was born on January 24, 1929, in Cradock, Virginia, a suburb of Portsmouth, to Charles Edward Gaskins and Margaret Elma Oliver Gaskins. Soon after her birth, her parents purchased a 600-acre farm in nearby Churchland, where she was raised. She was the fourth of five children, all of whom preceded her in death. She spent many happy days of her childhood playing on the farm with her siblings. Her passing closes the chapter on the Gaskins family’s participation in the rural life of Tidewater Virginia.

Jackie was smart, quick-witted, vivacious, devoted, and uniquely beautiful. After graduating from Churchland High School in 1946, she attended Elon College, where she met Herman Scott, a fellow student who had grown up in nearby Newport News. She suspended her education to marry Herman, and they remained a devoted couple for over 60 years, until his death in 2012.

After marrying, Jackie and Herman lived briefly in Philadelphia before moving to Brunswick, Georgia, in 1950 due to a job transfer. Their two sons, Michael and David, were born there and were, as she often said, her pride and joy. In 1958, she and Herman moved their young family to Atlanta, where they put down deep roots and remained for the rest of their lives.

She was an accomplished bridge player and earned the distinguished title of “Life Master” in 1998 from the American Contract Bridge League. She competed in numerous tournaments, at times playing against actor Omar Sharif, himself a notable player. She later returned to college and earned a B.A. degree from Mercer University. She co-owned an antique business with a shop in Vinings, Georgia, and served as a poll worker at the Coralwood Elementary School precinct.

She and her husband were regulars at square dancing events hosted by Wieuca Road Baptist Church, where they were longtime members. She loved her church and remained close to her friends there even after macular degeneration prevented her from attending services later in life.

She adored her grandchildren—Corey Hollis, Jordan, Lanie, Alex, Eli, and Brock Scott. She also loved their spouses and all of her great-grandchildren. She demonstrated that love by taking them on memorable trips and vacations and by supporting their educational pursuits.

Jackie truly was “one of a kind.” Her life and passing leave us with memories of a noble life well lived—much honored and worthy of emulation. She was a wonderful gift from God and an inspiration to many. She lived proudly as an American woman of substance and achievement, with many meaningful contributions to those around her.

The family will host a reception and celebration on Sunday, April 12, at 2:00 p.m. at the Harrogate Clubhouse in her Decatur neighborhood. Per her wishes, her sons plan to have her remains interred in the family plot in Churchland, Virginia (date to be announced).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Georgia Tech Foundation (Ga Tech Foundation) in memory of Jacqueline Scott.