Fonda Jackson Gethers

Fonda Lynette Jackson is the second child born to John D. and Emma G. Jackson on May 7, 1965, in Denver, Colorado. She grew up in a Christian home participating in worship activities at Zion Baptist Church. Being “sandwiched” between her older sister, Frieda and younger brother, Fulton contributed to a fearless and competitive spirit and Christian faith that would continue throughout childhood and beyond.

Spiritual /Religious, Fonda developed a love for participating in church  activities from age 5 years to adulthood, singing in the choir, church ushering, participating in Sunday school, B T U (Baptist Training Union), Vacation Bible School and Christian speaking endeavors.  She was baptized at age 12 and became a serious bible student in her church youth group, seeking a deeper understanding of scriptural meaning and researching scriptures independently and discussion with parents and others.

Academically, she often said “I have to work harder for (my) grades than Frieda, and Buster (Fulton),” an example of her determination and love for learning. Fonda excelled in elementary, middle and high schools with B+ and A s in grades. She took piano lessons, ballet lessons, ski lessons and swim lessons (until the instructor told her to “jump” into the deep pool, saying: “I will catch you” and she didn’t). Fonda found her “nitch” in oratory and speech writing, speaking at her 9th grade Continuation Program and her High School Graduation Class.

Awards for oratory include but are not limited to: Speech club Hiedler Speech Award, senior year at George Washington High School, Denver, where a Plaque currently hangs. Others related to oratory and scholarships include Sachs Foundation Academic Scholarship, United Church Ushers of America Oratorical Contest, Order of Eastern Star District and National Oratorical Contest, and Optimist Club Oratorical Contest.  Each of her speeches had a religious and social relationship.

Following high school, her education was continued at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee and Metropolitan State University of Colorado where she excelled academically and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.

She was blessed with the birth of her children, Toshyanna, October 1984, and Xavier, February 1988.  Through her faith and trust in the Lord, she successfully navigated her life in raising her two young children and achieving her personal goals. She attended and enrolled her children in religious programs at Heritage Christian Center, while maintaining a close bond with her Zion church family.  She never lost sight of Christ in her life. Through persistent determination, prayer, and faith, Fonda was gifted with a faithful and devoted husband, Rocky Gethers.  Rocky and Fonda were united in marriage on November 20, 1993, and started their lives together in Ridgeville, South Carolina. With this union, Fonda was blessed with two step-children, Darryl Andrews and Chastity Gethers. In April of 1995, Fonda and Rocky were blessed with their youngest daughter, Rachel.

While planting roots in South Carolina, Fonda continued to grow her faith through fellowship in various ways and was a devoted member of Haven Ministries, under the guidance of Pastors Darlene and Ronnie Benjamin. She was a faithful employee at Charleston First Assembly of God, where she first started as a Kindergarten Teacher at Evangel Christian School and was currently serving as the Pastor’s Executive Assistant, until her passing.

Fonda served her community in multiple ways, which included, volunteering to participate in Women’s Bible Studies at a women’s shelter, One 80 Place. She was never afraid to tell others about her faith in God.

Fonda was dedicated to her family, church, and those around her. She was known for her infectious smile that could light up any room, her encouraging spirit, and her legendary hugs. She was one of God’s strongest soldiers. Her faith was unwavering. She loved and cared for others in a Christ-like manner. She was determined, loving, loyal, virtuous, and witty at times. She loved a good charades game, grilling, reading her bible, and singing songs of worship. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this strong and kind woman.  To know Fonda was to love her.

She is preceded in death by her father, Deacon John D. Jackson.

Fonda Lynette Jackson Gethers departed her earthly life on Friday, September 10, 2021. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her loving and devoted husband, Rocky Gethers; her children, Toshyanna (Montez) Roberts-Aiken, Xavier Roberts, Rachel (Devin) Gethers- McMichael, Chastity Gethers and Darryl Andrews; her mother, Emma G. Jackson; her brother, Fulton (Kecia) Jackson; her sister, Frieda McMurray; her precious grandchildren, who she loved tremendously, Tyanna Lyles,  Brianna Roberts, Xavier Roberts Jr., Malakai Aiken, Sebastian Roberts, Zyonna Gethers , and Caiden Gethers; her brother-in-laws,  James ( Renee) Gethers Jr., Maxwell (Kathy) Gethers, Rodney (Emma) Gethers, Justin (Juquetta) Gethers; sister-in- laws, Gilda Noil, Christina (CJ) Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

Funeral arrangements made in courtesy of The Low Country Mortuary 1852 East Montague Avenue, Charleston, SC 29405.