Gail Jarrett Poss

Patricia “Gail” Jarrett Poss, age 79, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. She was surrounded by loved ones and friends while in the care of the Douglas Hospice Care Center.

Gail was born in Jacksonville, FL on May 17, 1944 and graduated from Robert E. Lee high school in 1962. That same year, she began her administrative career at Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. She married William “Billy” Joseph Poss on September 2, 1966 and was dedicated to him for over 56 years of marriage. Gail was very committed to her work and employers, enjoying long careers at several companies where she made lifelong friends. She spent eight years with General Electric and then over twenty-three years with Mail-Well Envelope (formerly Jim Walter Papers). In 2003 she joined the Institute for Growth and Development. Even through recent illnesses, Gail remained actively employed with the personnel department at IGD. She was passionate about the work and mission of their programs including Clay Behavioral Institute and Kids First of Florida. She found great purpose in her work there.

In addition to loving her job, Gail enjoyed creating many works of art through quilting and engaging with her sewing community. Her family and friends are blessed to be surrounded by her creations. Gail also loved to travel with close friends and family. She enjoyed many annual summer trips to Maine and Clearwater, Florida as well as several trips to explore National Parks out west, organized by her dear friends, the Kimballs. Gail was a great cook and well known for her sweet tea and deviled eggs, which were a standard request for all gatherings. Gail loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, sharing her love and knowledge of pop culture, especially Harry Potter and Star Wars. She enjoyed many family events during the past year including trips to her favorite spots in Biloxi as well as the beach.

Gail is preceded in death by her mother and father, Philip Jarrett and Edna Colvin, brother Philip Jarrett, and sister, Sarah Ann Bass. She is survived by husband William Poss, sister, Elizabeth Pecott (John), daughter Laura Kennedy, (Ross), son, Michael Poss, (Tina), grandchildren Katy Currie (Korey), Anderson Kennedy (Kristen), Penelope Poss, Zakarias Jarvis, Alexzander Jarvis, Krisztian Jarvis and great grandchildren Kaz, Andi, Scarlet, and Kiedis.

A memorial and celebration of life service is planned for Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 12pm at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205. Followed by a graveside service at 1pm at Riverside Memorial Park.

Memorials in Gail’s honor may be made to the Clay Behavioral Institute. To donate visit ccbhc.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Poss family.