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In memory of

Jackie Meek Gatena

Pickens, SC

March 27, 1949 - April 17, 2025

Mar 27, 1949 - Apr 17, 2025

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Jackie Meek Gatena, 76, was born March 27, 1949, to Fredrick and Leona Meek. She died April 17, 2025.

Jackie grew up in Decatur, IL and Tuscon, AZ. During her adult life she also lived in Melrose Park, Illinois; Janesville, Wisconsin; and Pickens, South Carolina. Jackie had three sisters: Patricia Leach, Darina Buano (deceased), and Becky McFadden. She had one brother: Freddie Jay Meek (deceased). Jackie was a dedicated Christian and actively involved in the churches she attended. Over the years, she was part of four church families: Broadview Wesleyan Church in Broadview, Illinois; Parkview Wesleyan Church in Tucson, Arizona; Janesville Wesleyan Church, Janesville, Wisconsin; Golden Grove Wesleyan Church, Liberty, South Carolina.

Jackie had the gift of organization. It came natural to her. She could step into any chaotic physical space and tame it. Once she was done, there was order and systems in place to maintain the order provided people followed her instructions! She was also Dan Gatena’s (her late husband) number one repair assistant. There was no task too hard or dirty but what Jackie was by Dan’s side assisting and offering advice. And the great thing was that Dan didn’t have to ask for advice. He got it whether he wanted it or not!

Jackie was a private person, and yet a social butterfly. Wherever she lived, it didn’t take her long to gather a group of other women around her (you know who you are). Together they laughed, cried, and journeyed through life.

While there were many things Jackie enjoyed, nothing surpassed the joy and fulfillment she received from her family. The care she gave her husband Dan while he battled Parkinson’s disease was a gift of loving sacrifice that will forever remain an inspiration to her family for decades to come. Verbally, Jackie expressed her love to her family all the time; in addition, she communicated the same in deeds like loaning them money, washing their clothes, mowing the lawn, driving the great grandchild carpool, and taking them out for meals. She leaves behind one of the greatest families ever assembled. On December 30, 1963 she married Dan Gatena who was her constant companion, lover, and friend for over 57 years until his death on January 21, 2021. Together they had one extraordinary child: Sherri Gatena Casey. With a little help from her husband Tony, Sherri bore Jackie three amazing grandchildren: Dana (Casey) Connor, Stephen Casey, and Nicole Casey. With a little help from her husband Jamin, Dana bore Jackie three remarkable great grandchildren: Eisley Connor, Atlas Connor, and Paxton Connor. With a LOT of help from his wife Savannah, Stephen bore her yet two more remarkable great grandchildren: Lilianna Casey, and Aurora Casey.

Finally, Jackie leaves behind great memories and a legacy of love that will warm and keep her family laughing until they are reunited with her in eternity.

A memorial service will be held April 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Golden Grove Wesleyan Church 7997 Morefield Memorial Highway Liberty, SC 29671. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation In Jackie’s name to one of the following: