Mrs. Jackie Lynn Gifford

March 2, 1945 – July 5, 2025

While on a trip to one of her favorite places, Cody, Wyoming, Jackie Lynn Gifford, age 80, entered into the presence of the Lord, on July 5, 2025 with her loving husband of 60 years, by her side. Jackie was a devoted follower of Christ and throughout her life she lived out John 15:12 “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.”

Jackie was born to parents, Willis and Hazel Gatlin on March 2, 1945. She had a very special bond with her father and he gave her the nickname Rusty. She married her husband, Billy Gifford, on October 23, 1964. She was the proudest mother to their son Clay Gifford. Together with Billy, she provided Clay a loving and nurturing home and spent her days making sure that Clay had the chance to Know and love God. Clay departed his parents for heaven on September 1, 1990. Jackie lived a life dedicated to Christ and knew that one day she would be reunited with her son. We can only imagine the time that she and Clay are having up there.

Jackie was a life-long member of Mentone Community Church. Jackie loved people and people loved her. It was her desire to tell everyone she came into contact with about Jesus. In her beginnings at the church, she taught children and teens about God. She spent time taking youth groups to church camps, retreats, and other outings. She also volunteered on mission trips to children’s homes and Indian reservations and served those in her church in numerous ways. Jackie spent many years of her inviting the youth in the community to church. She just didn’t stop at inviting, she made sure that they had a way to get to church each week.

Even though Jackie only had one child, there are so many people that Jackie claimed as her own. Jackie and Billy, along with Clay opened up their home on Sunday afternoons for “her babies” that attended church. This lunch and time spent with her was a treat for so many. She has been such a Godly influence on so many, and there are many that credit their walk with Christ back to her. Jackie didn’t just stop telling people about Jesus, she lived her life in a way that people would see Jesus in her.

Jackie loved flowers and she had a beautiful flower garden behind her house. She especially loved roses and lilies. She spent many hours in this garden, talking to God. She also loved telling others about her flowers. During the seasons when her garden was at full bloom, she loved sharing her flowers with those around her. Many have been blessed with a bouquet of flowers from Jackie.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Billy Gifford and numerous “honorary children”. She was preceded in death by her son Clay Gifford and her parents, Willis and Hazel Gatlin.

Although Jackie will be missed by those who love her, we can be comforted in knowing that she is in the presence of God and heard these words, “Well done my good and faithful one.”

Pallbearers are Matt Finkelstein, Joe Finkelstein, Steve Gifford, Scott Gifford, Cole Gifford, and Roy Stalvey

The family is accepting flowers