Mrs. Jacqueline Lee Harris French

Jacqueline Lee French was born on March 4, 1944, in Lexington, Kentucky, to Albert and Vivian Harris. She accepted Christ at an early age at East Second Street Christian Church. Jackie was reared in Charlotte Court, where she felt like the whole world was at her front door, and she could be a part of all the happenings in the park and at the pool. Jackie was a straight-A student in all academic areas. She loved literature, writing, and cheering for the Dunbar Bearcats. Jackie loved playing “office” and “school” while also helping to rear her younger brothers and sisters. She was educated in the segregated Booker T. Washington Elementary School and graduated from the segregated and first Dunbar High School, “Home of the Bearcats.” In 1962, Jackie entered Kentucky State College in Frankfort, Kentucky. She majored in English and minored in French. It was at Kentucky State that she met and fell in love with Willie French of Lynch, Kentucky. They married in 1966, and soon after, their first child Felicia Grundy, was born. Jackie began teaching in Lexington, Kentucky at Lexington Junior and did so until her move to Charlottesville, Virginia, where she continued to teach elementary school. After two years, her family moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where her son Willie “Billy” was born. It was there that she taught high school English and eventually entered administration as a guidance counselor and Dean of Students at Snyder High School. Jacqueline had a true service worker’s heart. She demonstrated this by being active in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Jack and Jill of America, Fort Wayne, Indiana Chapter, where she was a charter member, and singing in the Turner Chapel AME Church choir. Jackie would eventually retire from education in the Fort Wayne community school system. She enjoyed nothing more than caring for, loving, and supporting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 2009, Gummy and Gumpy moved back to their “Old Kentucky Home” in Lexington, Kentucky. She was thrilled to be back with family and reconnect with friends. She especially liked to participate in the Dunbar High School Alumni Association, where she was Recording Secretary and helped to raise money for the Dunbar Scholarship Fund. She joined Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in 2010 and was an active member of the congregation. Mother French was a devoted Christian who participated in the Senior Ministry, Women’s Ministry, and was a regular weekly bible study attendee. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Aunt Jackie loved family get-togethers and was usually the party planner and event organizer. She had no greater thrill than to plan an event or party and marvel at her family and their accomplishments. She often loved to reminisce with everyone about her Charlotte Court, Dunbar High, and Kentucky State days. Jackie leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Felicia (Charles Jr.) Grundy, son Willie French Jr.; grandsons Charles Albert Grundy, III (Trey) and Trenton French Grundy; great grandsons Charles Albert Grundy, IV (Treyson) and Tatarekoda (TK) Griffith; granddaughter Tarynn Rae Grundy; great granddaughter Kylar Nicole Gray Grundy; sisters Mary Jean Cowherd and JoAnn (Robert) Washington Sr.; brothers John (Darlene) Harris Sr., Albert C. Harris Jr., and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Vivian Harris; husband Willie French Sr.; sisters Janice LaRue and Dorothy (Bennie) Williams; brother Roy C. Harris; sisters-in-law Margie Harris and Dorothy Saunders; and brothers-in-law Jack (Marie) French, Jimmy French, Gentry LaRue Sr., and Julius Saunders.

Mrs. Jacqueline Lee Harris French

March 4, 1944 - January 9, 2026

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Mrs. Jacqueline Lee Harris French

March 4, 1944 - January 9, 2026

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information