Jean Lackey Litchford

Mother, companion, and friend, Jean Lackey Litchford died peacefully of natural causes in her home in Jacksonville, on Monday, August 15th, 2016. Loving family and friends were present, she was 89 years of age.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, James F. Litchford in 1990, her twin sister Joan Lackey in 1978, and by her youngest daughter, Elizabeth Leigh, in 2012. She is survived by her three other children, James Harvey, of Wesley Chapel, Florida; Kimberlea Anne, of Jacksonville, Florida; and Thomas Mark, of Warrenton, Virginia, as well as 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Jean was born on May 8th, 1927, to parents James Harvey Lackey and Ada Lucy Sears in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She spent a large part of her life in Jacksonville, graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in 1945. While working at a bank in downtown Jacksonville, she met Morrison Cafeteria manager Jim Litchford, and, as the story goes, fell in love over a bowl of soup. They were married on February 15th, 1952, remaining so for 38 years until his death in 1990. After supporting Jim in his career and raising a family while moving around the greater southeast, Jean and Jim were able to resettle in Jacksonville prior to his retirement. She remained continually active in her high school sorority, Beta Sigma Phi, earning several accolades throughout her many years of service. She was also an active member at Mandarin United Methodist Church, claiming her seat near the front as long as her health permitted.

It could be said that “Nana”, as she was known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as whomever else would tag along, would tell anyone that those gatherings at the house in Jacksonville were truly her most cherished times. It will be those wonderful memories which will carry us all until we meet her again!

Jean’s Celebration of Life service will be held at Mandarin United Methodist Church, 11270 San Jose Blvd., on Thursday, August 25th, 2016, at 10:00 am., with a light reception to follow. She will be inurned at Oaklawn Cemetery on San Jose Blvd. at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory to Mandarin United Methodist Church will be appreciated.

Arrangements under the direction of Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, Jacksonville, FL.