Grandparents Really Do Matter hosts 4th Annual Appreciation Luncheon

By Brinda F. Willis, Ph.D.

JA Contributing Writer

Grandparents Really Do Matter held its 4th Annual Appreciation Luncheon to recognize grandparents who are raising their minor grandchildren on a full time basis regardless of circumstances. The well-attended event was held Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Salvation Army in north Jackson. Some 400 grandparents and other seniors were served by community personalities who enjoyed the experience as much as the special guests appreciated being catered to.

Minister Nancy Gaynor, founder/CEO, Grandparents Really Do Matter, shared her personal story with the crowd, revealing how she recognized the need to adopt her grandson following the death of his mother and inability of her son to manage his care. 

“I did not want my grandchild to be placed in the system of child protective services, but I had no idea how I was going to cope with a six-year-old because my child was grown and out on their own. My grandchild’s mother died, and I had to step up and deal with not only the social aspects of having a small child in my custody, but also the challenges of dealing with a child with a learning disability accompanied by a behavior problem. 

“That’s when I realized that many other grandmothers face the same situation, caring for their grandchildren because their parents either don’t want to take responsibility, or can’t care for their children. Grandparents are often not financially able to take in their grandchildren, and/or have sufficient space in their home after downsizing because they are empty nesters. Now the grandparents are thrust into raising children all over again, but raising children in a whole different era, dealing with technology, new behaviors, and social norms and mores.”

Jackson’s newly elected mayor, John Horhn, stayed the entire time in awe of the fellowship. “There’s no love like a grandmother’s love. I want to express my gratitude to all these grandmothers who stand in the gap for parents, helping to raise their grandchildren, who often have no one else,” he said. “I’m committed to providing help and assistance to these often overlooked and underappreciated grandparents for the job they are doing with little to no assistance from governmental and/or social service entities because they are not the parents or legal custodians of their grandchildren. I pledge to have the office staff of the mayor research how we can provide help to these warriors.”

Among this year’s celebrity waiters were Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade and Capitol Police Chief Bo Luckey, who shared stories about their grandmothers who played a significant role in their childhood. Additionally, several of Jackson Fire Department personnel, along with Jackson city councilmen, Hinds County judges, area ministers, mayors, attorneys, state legislators, media personalities, and other community advocates. 

Minister Gaynor’s dedication to the program did not go unnoticed. Grandparents Really Do Matter participants presented her with tokens of appreciation for which she tearfully replied, “I love what I do.”

(Photo: Kehinde Gaynor)