Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Jacqueline Hamler Early-Taliaferro peacefully entered eternal rest on June 23, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born on May 21, 1931, in Lynchburg, Virginia, Jacqueline was the beloved daughter of the late Nellie Hamler and John Edward “Jack” Hamler. She was the sister of the late John Edward Hamler, III. A proud daughter of Lynchburg, she embodied grace, intelligence, faith, and service throughout a life that touched generations.

Jacqueline graduated from the historic Dunbar High School and continued her education at Fisk University, where she earned a degree in Mathematics with a minor in Chemistry. Her love of learning and commitment to excellence guided her throughout her life and career. As a young educator, she inspired students with both knowledge and compassion, helping to shape countless young minds.

A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Jacqueline embraced a lifetime of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. She was also an active member of The Links, Incorporated, where she joined with others dedicated to enriching communities and uplifting future generations.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Jacqueline was a devoted and lifelong member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, where she worshiped faithfully and served consistent dedication. Her church family remained a source of strength, fellowship, and joy throughout her life.

Jackie possessed a remarkable curiosity about the world. During her academic years, she developed a love for travel and cultural exchange. Through a foreign teacher exchange program, she welcomed educators from Europe into her home and forged friendships that spanned continents. These experiences inspired her own travels throughout Europe and deepened her appreciation for people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Those who knew Jackie knew she enjoyed both spirited competition and heartfelt fellowship. She was an accomplished and enthusiastic bridge and pinochle player, participating in numerous card clubs and organizations over the years. Around the card table, friendships flourished, laughter was abundant, and her quick wit was always on display.

She also had a special gift for nurturing life. An avid gardener, Jackie surrounded herself with beautiful indoor and outdoor plants. Family and friends fondly remember her flourishing flowers, vibrant greenery, and the delicious tomatoes she lovingly cultivated and generously shared.

Jacqueline cherished her family deeply. She treasured gatherings, celebrations, conversations, and the bonds that connected generations. Her wisdom, warmth, strength, and unwavering love will remain a lasting legacy to all who knew her.

The family extends special appreciation to her devoted cousins and cherished companions, Rachelle Smith, Jean Johnson, Lorenzo “Pee Wee” Megginson and Ronald “Pumpkin” Hamler whose friendship, support, and love enriched her life immeasurably.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving nieces, Debbie Hamler-Craxton, Shellie Hamler, Penny Hamler, Beatrice Jackson-Lynch (“Bea” ) and Cynthia Hamler-Johnson; her devoted nephews, Cliff Hamler, Derbin Hamler, Frederick Hamler, and John Hamler; along with a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, church family, and dear friends PLUS MOLLY whose lives were blessed by her presence. In her later years, Jackie was able to enthusiastically and happily establish a loving, poignant bond with her sister Louise Glass Jackson who survives her.

Jackie survived her lifelong love and doting husband Linwood “Gabe” Taliaferro aka “Doc” to his peers aka “Lin” to his adoring nieces and nephews!

A special thanks to her "ride or die" cousins Rachel Smith, Jean Johnson, Lorenzo “PeeWee” Megginson and Ronald ‘Punkin’ Hamler and Marie Andrews.

Though she has departed from this earthly life, Jacqueline’s legacy of faith, education, service, kindness, and love will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Her life was a blessing.

Her memory a treasure.

She is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Family Tribute- Aunt Jackie was loved by our family. She valued education, faith, family, and community. Her constantly curious persona inspired many of us to always be open to new adventures. We are grateful for the years we shared and the legacy she leaves behind. She will forever remain in our hearts.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. A Funeral Service will be held at on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Cemetery.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.