Birth Date: 11/22/1941
Deceased Date: 12/27/2021
Micro – Jackie Grady Gore, age 80, passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on Monday, December 27, 2021. She was born on November 22, 1941, in Johnston County, NC, to the late A.C. and Myrtle Phillips Grady. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Lt. Colonel Larry R. Gore; and brother, Phil Grady.
Surviving is her daughter, Carla Brown Henderson and husband, Darryl; granddaughters, Heather Higgins Wilson and husband, Jonathan, Jami Higgins Switzer and husband, James, Logan Henderson Olvera and husband, Drew, and Tara Vitali and husband, Rich; eight great-grandchildren and one on the way who she adored; her sister-in-law, Joy Hardee and husband, Tommy; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family who were very special to her.
Jackie grew up in Micro, NC and graduated as valedictorian from Micro High School in 1959. She graduated from East Carolina University (ECU) in 1963 and was awarded a North Carolina State University (NCSU) fellowship in 1973, achieving a master’s degree in Career and Industrial Education in 1974.
After graduating, Jackie returned to Johnston County, NC where she taught in both public and higher education school systems. She began her teaching profession in public education at Cleveland School. In 1969, Jackie was hired as one of the first faculty members at Johnston Community College, formerly known as Johnston Technical Institute, where she taught for 14 years. During these years, she enjoyed mentoring and tutoring many of her students. In 1983, she returned to the Johnston County Public School system, teaching at Cooper Middle, Clayton Middle, Clayton High School and South Johnston High School before retiring in 1997 with 31 years of educational service.
Jackie was a devout Christian and active member at River of Life Baptist Church, Sunset Beach, NC until her illness in 2018. She was very engaged and served on many Baptist Woman’s Ministry committees including several terms as director for JBA Woman’s Ministry in Johnston County. Jackie and her late husband, Larry were volunteers with Stand Against Trafficking (StAT), a non-profit organization.
In her spare time, she enjoyed arranging flowers from her flower garden, she was an avid reader, loved sudoku puzzles, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a kind and giving heart, always helping others.
Due to Covid, a private graveside service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made to multiple myeloma research at unclineberger.org or to any charitable organization in her memory.
Arrangements by Smith Funeral Service & Crematory. Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithfcs.com.
