Jacquelyn (Goddard) Black

CHINA – Jacquelyn Goddard Black, 88, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loved ones, April 27, 2024.

Jackie was born in Waterville on March 12, 1936, daughter of G. Cecil Goddard and Clara (Nevers) Goddard. She attended primary schools in Waterville and attended Oak Grove Coburn and graduated from Waterville High in 1954. She attended Farmington State and Thomas College.

Jackie worked in the family business at Goddard Agency. She also worked for Main Gas, Slender You, and assisted with her daughter’s daycare. Her most rewarding and satisfying job was being a mother, grandmother, and auntie. She enjoyed her children, their friends, and their activities.

Jackie was known for her baked goods at home, at the church, and in the neighborhood. Biscuits, strawberry shortcake, jam and chocolate chip cookies were just some of her specialties.

Jackie was a dedicated nana to Justin and Jayson. She and her husband, Jim Black, never missed a game, school function or birthday. The boys were always supported by her love and presence. Jackie was a “Nana” not to just her grandsons, but to many other children, and impacted many young lives.

Jackie was an amateur bowler, who bowled at the Waterville Lanes and bowled in the Pro Am. She earned the title: City, State, and New England Champion. Her trophies and plaques are proof of what a proficient bowler she was. She was small but mighty behind that ball. It was there that she met her second husband, James A. Black.

Jackie took pride in the in the outside appearance of her home. She worked in her flower beds and mowed her lawn from dawn to dusk (a trait passed down to her grandsons). She also could be found shoveling at the first sign of snow. She loved the fresh air and the vigorous exercise.

Some of her pastimes were antiquing and flower shopping with her daughter, watching the Red Sox and Celtics games. She enjoyed discussing the games and players with her son and grandsons.

Jackie was an active member at the Waterville and China Baptist Churches. She could always be found in the kitchen after services helping out. She also participated in the Women’s Bible Study in China. In her final days she got great pleasure watching the parishioners coming and going.

Jackie was predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. Cecil Goddard; her husband, James A. Black; her daughter, Julie A. Smith, and her brother, Samuel A. Goddard.

She is survived by her son, James G. Smith and fiancée Kathy Cunningham of Vassalboro, daughter, Joanna L. Bearce and husband Jeffrey of Belgrade; her grandsons Justin M. Bearce and partner Tabitha Doak of Waterville, Jayson H. Bearce and wife Juli of Narvarre, Fla.; sister, Melissa Ayer of Shelton, Conn.; nieces Suzanne Goddard of China, Rebecca Bean of Williamsburg, Va., Alexandra L. Pierce of Stratford, Conn.; great-nephews, and niece Nathan A. Pierce, Stella G. Pierce, and Lukas J. Pierce also of Stratford, Conn.

We would like to express a special thanks to Hospice and Tammy Rosco for the care given to our mother.

To honor Jacquelyn’s wishes a private service will be held for family at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

The family requests those who wish to express

sympathy to consider donating to the

China Baptist Church in Jacquelyn Black’s name:

P.O. Box 6095,

China Village, ME 04926