Jackie Simpson Hendren

August 23, 1934 - March 25, 2021

Jackie Simpson Hendren, age 86, a long-time pillar of the Guilford College community, passed away on March 25th, 2021. Jackie was born on August 23rd, 1934, in Ararat, NC. She grew up on a small farm near High Point. Jackie married the love of her life, Linvel Hendren, in 1954. The couple settled in Greensboro, where they raised their two children, Mike and Angie. Their home quickly became a special place for family, friends, and neighbors to gather and celebrate. They enjoyed 44 years of marriage before Linvel’s untimely passing. Jackie spent 25+ years as a Secretary for Western Guilford High School, where she began creating her legacy of living life to the full, even amidst great challenges. She fought hard to overcome and beat cancer four times throughout her life, battling sickness with a positive, never quit attitude. Her spirit was always ready for an adventure, and her faith in God’s sovereignty is where she received her strength. Jackie was a fiercely devoted and loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her family was everything to her – truly the center of her world. She took every opportunity to care for those she encountered. She was in her happy place hosting loved ones on her back porch, typically enjoying a glass of wine while she simultaneously prepared one of her famous recipes. Jackie was known for the way she loved and served others – deeply and generously. She never knew a stranger, and the impact she made in this world will continue to live on. She will be remembered for her zest for life, relentlessly joyful spirit, and heart of gold. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love her. Jackie was a devoted mother to Mike Hendren & wife Eileen, and Angie McIntosh. She was a loving grandmother to Charles Hendren & wife Anna, Ruth Seiler & husband Collin, Ellis McIntosh & fiancée Quinn, Hannah Smith & husband Taylor; caring great grandmother to Stella, Selma, Penny, and #4 that she missed meeting by 3 weeks; adoring big sister to Patsy Smith & husband Jerry; and special aunt to many nieces and nephews. There will be a small family service later in the year when all the family can be present. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Jackie’s honor to her church, Guilford College United Methodist, or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).