Jennifer Hughes Garner

Jennifer Garner was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1958 to Ralph and Emma Hughes, and grew up in Lexington, Kentucky.

At 18, while working at the airport in Lexington, her interest in aviation began. After lengthy studying and flight training she was awarded her FAA commercial authority and started her aviation career by flying passengers and cargo.

She met David, another pilot who offered to take her flying and wound up winning her heart. Aviation brought them together, and it would remain at the center of their life. Jennifer and Dave moved to Tampa in the mid-80s, where they raised two children, Luke and Meagan. When the kids entered school, Jennifer returned to flying. She then earned her Airline Transport authority and advanced from flight instruction to captaining high-performance turbo-prop corporate aircraft.

Jennifer was most in her element at the controls of a King Air executing complex approaches in busy airspace, with a soundtrack playing on the speakers in the background. She was equally comfortable on a cozy couch at home, reading a picture book to her kids or grand kids.

After 35 years in Florida, Jennifer and David retired and relocated to North Carolina. Jennifer then designed and built her dream home in Mills River where they have lived for the past 10 years. She spent the last decade of her life doing what she loved most, hiking trails with her family and dogs, reading, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.

She is survived by Dave, her husband of 50 years, her mother Emma, her sister Teresa, her children Meagan and Luke, and her beloved grandchildren.

A brief, private service will be held for family at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23rd. All friends and family are welcome to gather afterward at the home, anytime between 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

In Jennifer’s memory and in lieu of flowers, we ask that you spend a few minutes appreciating nature, going for a hike with a dog, or reading a book to a child.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.