Jacqueline Henley Guiton

Charlotte – Jacqueline “Jackie” Henley Guiton (89) passed away peacefully on March 17, 2021 with her daughter by her side after a brief illness. She was born in Atlanta, GA on October 14, 1931, the youngest daughter of the late Frank Henley and Maude “Bombie” Suttles Henley. She graduated from Clifford Scott High School in East Orange, NJ in 1949. She continued her education at Queens University (formerly Queens College) where she joined Phi Mu sorority, served as chapter President and named a member of Alpha Kappa Gamma National Honorary Leadership Fraternity.

Following graduation from Queens Jackie married John H. Guiton, the love of her life, whom she met on a blind date while he attended Davidson College. They shared 47 years together until Johnny’s death on November 29, 2000. Their first years were spent in Charlotte where their only daughter, Jan, was born. They spent one year in Rocky Mount, NC, six years in Charleston, SC and three years in Nashville, TN, all while Johnny coached football and wrestling. Jackie thoroughly enjoyed attending his games and matches. In 1966 they returned to Charlotte.

During the years while they were living in Charleston Jackie opened a private school for children with special needs. It was very successful and eventually integrated in to the public school system.

When the Guitons moved to Nashville, she directed Donelson Child Development Center. Upon returning to Charlotte Jackie continued to teach in special education with CMS and helped start Metro School. She retired in 1982 but continued to work with younger children as a substitute where Jan was a preschool teacher at several different churches.

After Jackie’s retirement, Johnny was employed at two different banks in NYC for 14 years, commuting home on weekends. They enjoyed exploring the Big Apple together, traveling the U.S. and London, Scotland, Switzerland and Hawaii. They were fortunate to have had vacation homes in Wilmington, Wild Dunes near Charleston and enjoyed yearly stays in Blowing Rock.

While living in each of the different cities Jackie was active in the community and several Presbyterian churches. She had a passion for service and has been an active member at Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church for almost 25 years, serving faithfully on the Inreach Committee and with Room in the Inn.

She was very creative and had a keen eye for design and detail. She enjoyed decorating, crafts, painting, sewing, caning chairs and refinishing antique furniture. Being the generous and thoughtful giver she always remembered birthdays and anniversaries. Jackie possessed an amazing inner strength, grace and cheerfulness. She leaves us with many happy memories of her bright smile, genuine laugh, her outgoing personality and her giving spirit.

Jackie’s greatest passion was her family. She was a loving and steadfast caregiver to her mother, affectionately known as “Bombie”, for 45 years and has been devoted to her daughter, Jan Guiton Federal and husband Henry “Hank” Federal. “Mimi” was dearly loved by her grandsons, John (Andi) Federal and Alex (Tiz) Federal and great-grandchildren, Charlotte “Charlie”, Henry and Tilly. She has also been devoted to the two daughters of her late sister, Barbara Henley Hammer; Jacqueline Hammer Royster (James) and children Melissa, (Jamie) their daughters, Ella and Anna Pelock; Frank (Sara) and twins James and Claire; and Leigh Hammer Crochet and her daughter, Allison. Jackie is also survived by her sister-in-law, Nancy Guiton, her children Thomas (Gretchen) Guiton and Patricia (Harold) and Guy Gunn.

A service to celebrate Jackie’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church. The service will be private for family and live-streamed on YouTube through the church website at QHPC.org

Memorial contributions may be made to Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church–Handbell Choir, 8801 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210.