Gilda Lynn Jackson, 74, passed away peacefully at her home in Groveland, Florida, with family by her side, in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 7, 2021, after a long battle with kidney cancer. A native of Portsmouth, Ohio, Lynn was the eldest daughter of the late Ellis and June Pauline (Arthur) Johnson. She is survived by her husband, Timothy Jackson, a native of Friendship, Ohio, currently living in Groveland, Florida; her daughter Michele L. Johnson, Esq., a native of Portsmouth, Ohio, currently living in Groveland, Florida; sisters Phyllis Perkins of Portsmouth, Ohio; Stephanie Maguire Hamilton, of Portsmouth, Ohio; and Donna Bell Pickens, a native of Portsmouth, Ohio, living in Groveland, Florida; and several nieces and nephews and their families. Lynn and her husband moved to the Woodlands at Church Lake community in Groveland from Portsmouth in October 2012 to be closer to her daughter, who has lived in and around Orlando since 2004. Though not very active in community events, Lynn actively enjoyed being retired from many years of administrative professional work at places such as her hometown radio station WIOI, several hospitals and doctors' offices over the years, a chemical company, and lastly the State of Ohio. She loved her iPad and spent much of her time reading on topics of interest, especially medical related articles, playing games, such as Mahjong, interacting with friends near and far via Facebook and other social media, and watching her favorite baking/dessert making and gospel music videos, as well as listening to her favorite music and watching movies. At Lynn's request there will be no funeral services, viewings, or visitations. For anyone wishing to offer condolences, Lynn wished only for donations of any kind, no matter how large or small, to Sierra's Haven for New and Used Pets, 80 Easter Dr., in Portsmouth, Ohio, or any animal shelter or rescue in need of help for the wonderful work they do. Lynn is very sorely missed, but offered the following poem for the loved ones she left behind to reflect on during these trying times.

Don't cry for me.

I will be okay.

Heaven is my home now,

and this is where I'll stay.

Don't cry for me.

I'm where I belong.

I want you to be happy

and try to stay strong.

Don't cry for me.

It was just my time,

but I will see you someday

on the other side.

Don't cry for me.

I am not alone.

The angels are with me

to welcome me home.

Don't cry for me,

for I have no fear.

All my pain is gone,

and Jesus took my tears.

Don't cry for me.

This is not the end.

I'll be waiting here for you

when we meet again.

—Deborah Garcia Gaitan