Tributes

Jackie Boyd Braswell, born February 15 (she made us promise to never tell the year!) died on June 18, 2023 at the Margaret Z. Dozier House at Big Bend Hospice. She was predeceased by her husband, Fletcher Braswell in 2020. He was the love of her life and her husband of 62 years. She was also predeceased by her parents, Kathryn and Chalmer Boyd, her brother, Bill Boyd, and her son-in-law, Fred McCord. Jackie had a lifelong passion for education and ardently pursued her own education excelling in her studies earning the highest honors at Leon High School and Florida State University where she had perfect grades through her coursework just shy of earning a PhD. Jackie turned her passion for learning into both her vocation and her avocation. She was appointed by two Florida governors to several education commissions, and task forces. She was one of 35 educators throughout the nation selected to attend a graduate program in the College of Education at Harvard university. She published numerous articles and mentored countless teachers and students. She was a charter teacher at Lincoln High School and was twice named Leon County Teacher of the Year. Jackie was head of the business education department at Lincoln H.S. before she was hired by Governor Jeb Bush to lead the educational affairs division of the Florida Lottery. Jackie gave generously of her time and talents to numerous education endeavors and she was an avid supporter of the arts and other philanthropic organizations including The Tallahassee Ballet, FSU, PACE Center for Girls, the Mary Brogan Museum, and others. The roles of which she was most proud were mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughters, Flecia Braswell (Jimmy Weaver) and Carmen Butler (Will.) John Fletcher Butler, her only grandson, affectionately called her “Grandma Jack” and shared a very special relationship with her. She is also survived by her sister, Kathy Medlock (John) and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Throughout her life, Jackie’s kindness knew no bounds. Saying she was devoted to her husband and family would be an understatement as she always put them first. Her work ethic was unparalleled and she transferred it to her children and grandchild, along with her lifelong motto, “Life is short. Eat dessert first!” Jackie’s family is forever grateful to the caregivers at the Villas at Killearn Lakes and the staff of Big Bend Hospice who loved and cared for her. A celebration of her life is planned for a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the TMH Foundation (https://www.tmh.org/tmh-foundation/) or Big Bend Hospice. (https://bigbendhospice.charityproud.org/Donate) Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements.