Lynn Jackson Gammage's Obituary
Obituary and Life Narrative of LYNN JACKSON GAMMAGE
March 15, 1963 – January 31, 2026
Lynn was born the eldest of three daughters of Mary E. Bailey Jackson on March 15, 1963. At birth and in infancy, her family saw the same independent, strong, fighting spirit passed down from her great-grandmother, Amelia Jackson, to her grandmother, Bettie Cheeks-Austin, and her mother, Mary. When her Aunt Mable cradled her for the first time, she recalls Lynn as a newly born child of God, a sweet baby with a tinge of strength and stubbornness.
Not only was the family's “fighting spirit” and strength passed on to Lynn, but she was raised in the black Baptist faith tradition that taught family generations before her to trust and depend on God. As a young child, she professed Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Oakland, CA, under the leadership of Rev. W. A. Holly. Around age 9, Lynn became active in the Junior Choir and sang her first church solo, “If Everybody Was Like Jesus.” When her family joined Abyssinian Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland, CA, Lynn continued to grow in faith, serving as a member of the “Guiding Light Choir,” “Youth Ensemble,” and Drill Team. As her faith and belief in God and the church continued to grow, she made friendships that would last a lifetime.
Family was very important to Lynn; she loved family. As a young child, she shared fun times with them, eating homemade pancakes or biscuits at “Bettie Grandma’s,” watching movies at the Grand Lake theatre, dancing and entertaining family with impromptu plays, and playing board games. Her love for family continued into her adult years. She raised three wonderful sons, for whom she prayed that God would always take care of them. Her love for God was evident throughout her life as she and her family maintained their church membership in Tracy, CA. Lynn was very outgoing and loved socializing and spending time with her close friends.
Lynn attended Oakland Unified Public Schools and graduated from Skyline High School in 1981. She then studied at the College of Alameda. Lynn always valued working hard to provide for her family. Following in her mother’s footsteps in the automotive industry, she became Assistant Manager at Grand Auto in Tracy, CA. Her work was so valued that she was asked to continue in a leadership role with the company as it shifted under the new ownership of Kragen and then O’Reilly’s Auto Parts.
After more than 25 years in the automotive field, Lynn went back to school and, in April 2018, she earned her diploma in Medical Billing and Office Administration from the Institute of
Technology. In June 2018, she earned her Medical Office Assistant certification. Although she did not work in the field of medicine, her family was extremely proud of her accomplishments.
Lynn had the unique privilege of having a loving relationship with two fathers. She had a special bond with her father William R. Jackson, who raised her from infancy. Later on in life, she was able to cherish a close relationship with her biological father. Lynn made a point to learn about the history of her family. In 2021, she moved to Chesapeake, Virginia, where she was able to share the love of additional family members, including her biological father Barnett E. Reeves Jr. (Ruby), siblings Lisa, Julie, Rene (deceased), Eric, Kristie, and Barnett III, who share in her loss and will miss her dearly.
After a year of living in VA, Lynn moved back home to CA. Upon returning, she continued doing what she loved most, enjoying time with family and friends. Lynn had a strong work ethic. She believed in earning a living for herself. She continued employment in the retail industry, remaining a committed supervisor to each and every employee she managed. She always had a “can-do” spirit and made sure those qualities resonated with her employees.
On New Year’s Eve 2025, Lynn was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Up until her last breath, she continued to pray, lean on the support of her sisters, aunt, and uncle, and to have quiet moments hearing her sons say, “I love you.” She used every second and minute of her life to fight and hold on, until God said, “Well done!”
Lynn was predeceased by her mother, Mary E. Bailey Jackson. She leaves many family members to mourn her death and to celebrate her victory in Christ. She is survived by her father, William R. Jackson (Thelma), and her three sons, Stephen Turner, Darrell (DJ) Reed, and Marcus Gammage. Sisters Paula Ferguson (David) and Kellie Jackson (Darrell), and step-brother Richard Jackson. She leaves behind seven grandchildren: Jalasha, Jordan, Jaydah, JaMarcus, Rashad, Mariano, and King, a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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