Jacqueline Virly Cantrell

COLUMBIA - Jackie was born in Bouffegenets, near the city of Leveroux, France and her early childhood was influenced by the war. On the farm they hid refugees from Paris along with members of the Resistance. After the war she worked at the military base where she met Al who was stationed there. Jackie had a strong work ethic and was proud to have won the “Ms Courtesy” award from the Military Basics Exchange. Jackie and Al were soon married on March 10, 1962 and moved to the US. After Al’s retirement, they moved to Decatur, G.A, where she worked for the phone company, named Western Electric (then, later named AT&T and then Lucent). Jackie and Al loved to travel and over the years visited 40 states. Jackie always loved flowers and landscaping. She and Al opened a florist in Decatur named Blooming Earth Florist, which they operated for 15 years. After selling the business they both worked together at Sam’s Club before retiring to Columbia. Jackie enjoyed being with family and friends. She liked to cook for people. Survived by her husband of 54 years, Oscar Alvin “Al” Cantrell; son, Jimmy Cantrell (Leslie Erickson) of Decatur, GA; brother, Jean-Pierie Virly of Leveroux, France; niece, Monique Rabotin (Roger) of Leveroux, France; long-time friends, Jeannie Todd, Jeanine Pecher both of Paris, France, Madeline Delanne Ward (Willie) of Lane; relatives and friends remaining in France; step father, Jean Claude Theabault (France); Sherry Maddox (Don) of Fountain Inn; Carl Cantrell of Columbia; Mike Cantrell (Connie) of Simpsonville; step grandchildren, Tim Maddox (Rebecca), Brad Maddox (Ann), Allison Dyer (Matt), and Justin Cantrell (Alexis Reid); 10 step great grand children in S.C. and G.A. She was predeceased by her father, Julian Marie Virly; mother, Ame Gillet Virly; and brother, Andre Virly. Flowers may be sent to Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. Contributions can be made to SCOA Cares Foundation SCOAcares.org and/or Palmetto Health Foundation – HEROS.