Rebecca C. (Jackie) Plant

Rebecca C. (Jackie) Plant, age 87, died peacefully April 26, 2012 at VistaCare Hospice in Emory Midtown Hospital after extended illness. She was a long time resident of Lithonia, GA with her last residence at Sunrise of Decatur. She was born in Bluefield, VA on November 27, 1924 (Thanksgiving Day) to George and Sarah Christian. She grew up in Bluefield where she attended local schools graduating from Graham High School. She trained for her lifetime love of nursing at Lewis Gale School of Nursing (Roanoke, VA) and as a student nurse at Vanderbilt (Nashville, TN). Nursing was her avocation as well as her vocation. The second half of her nursing career was in the mental health field at Georgia Regional as a psychiatric nurse where she was recognized for her devoted and loving care. She was always an extraordinary nurse. She was truly a part of the "the Greatest Generation", surviving the aftermath of the Great Depression and WWII plus all the assorted wars and upheavals that followed. She was a survivor, even with the untimely death of her beloved husband Wilfred Thomas Plant, Jr. (Bill). Throughout her life she was devoted to her extended family. She was the Matriarch for many years and kept up with all members. Her loss is devastating to those who loved her. In her family crown the most treasured jewels were her three grandsons and especially her great grandchildren. Jackie had many diverse talents and interests. She was an exceptional bridge player (Masters), her ceramics were prized for their craftsmanship and beauty (she was active in teaching classes at times), flower arranging (winning awards), cooking, sewing, gardening. She was a collector of many categories including memorabilia from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics (which she actively supported) and all things Disney which she delighted in. Her stuffed bear collection was legendary. Another interest was her love of nature. She watched the antics of the birds and squirrels which were drawn to the feeders. The deer were beautiful, but along with the chipmunks wreaked havoc with her garden. Travel was a passion for Jackie. She visited all but one of the fifty states US and traveled to several areas of the world, her favorite being New Zealand. She was delighted to be accompanied by her sister Peggy Gipson on many of the trips. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her treasured husband, her aunt and uncle R.T. (Tommy) and Lucille W.(Lucy) Sykes of Lithonia, three sisters (Gwen Kidd, Martha Underwood and Betty Osborn), two brothers (Hoover Christian, and Bill Rogers Christian) , two nephews (Roger Christian and Ozzie Osborn) and her special Schnauzer, Pepper von Schnapps. Survivors include daughters Donna Plant Underwood (William "Jake" Jacobsen) of Summerville, SC, Clara Plant Seals of Snellville, GA and Rebecca (Becky) Plant Pickel (Allen) of Fayetteville, GA. Surviving grandsons are Jeff G. Underwood, Jr (Terisa) of Virginia Beach, VA, Chris W. Seals of Snellville, GA and William T. Barfield (Melissa) of Woodstock, GA. Her four grandchildren are Wyatt and Blake Underwood, Rylee Barfield and Owen Seals. Jackie's sister Peggy Gipson of Decherd, TN and many loved nieces and nephews with children and grandchildren also survive her. Cremation was done by A. S. Turner and Sons of Decatur, GA. Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton, WVA will handle the interment at Monte Vista Park Cemetery in Bluefield, VA. A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 4:00 PM. Steve Acre of the Ebenezer United Methodist Church will conduct the service. Memorials may be made to: Gentiva Hospice Foundation (VistaCare Hospice), 7801 Mesquite Bend Dr. Suite 105, Irving, TX 75063, phone: (972) 373-3825; NAMI, PO Box 759155, Baltimore, MD 21275-9155, phone: (888) 999-6264; Stroke support, phone: (888) 478-7653
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Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033