It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce Ms. Jacquelyn Jean Bagley "Jackie" Olympiadis, 87, of Hartwell, GA, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at St. Mary's Hospital in Athens, GA.

She is survived by her long-time companion, Michael Livingston of Hartwell, a daughter, Rebecca Cash of Lavonia, GA; a son, George Aristo "Telly" Olympiadis of Redmond, Oregon, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and two beloved yorkies, Tinker and Beau.
Born on February 9, 1937 in Detroit MI, she was the daughter of the late Gordon Eugene Bagley and Silvia Ozella Hornsby Bagley. The family was in Detroit because of a tuition agreement between Ford Motor Co. and her father, Gordon. As soon as that obligation was met, her parents moved the family to a small town in South Georgia, where she grew up.

Jackie graduated from Chamblee High School, Atlanta, GA, attended UGA and graduated with a degree in interior design. Although her life and experiences diverged from her initial chosen profession, the degree always remained as a very strong influence in her life. She went on to do many other occupations including: Administrative Asst. at Applebee/Church Inc. It was a position she held over many years and she formed relationships there that she maintained her entire life. (That was Jackie, She was always a true and loyal friend).
Next, she became owner and operator of "Olympiadis Greek Restaurant.  She poured her heart and soul into it and was rewarded.  It was a very successful and critically acclaimed restaurant in Atlanta GA.  Next, she was the owner and operator of "Top Hat Package Store" in Brookhaven, GA. She owned the store for 3½ years.

During this time, she decided she wanted to learn to fly; so she did. She got her Pilot's License and flew solo! When Jackie decided she wanted something, she made it happen. She was a very determined woman.  Jackie had a passion for gardening that lead her to design and then implement a showplace garden at 3117 Mabry Rd. in Brookhaven, GA. It was the home her father built when her parents moved the family from the small town in South Georgia to Atlanta in 1954. It was truly a beautiful garden space, and she was very proud of it.

Jackie also loved horses and riding. Her fondest memories as a young girl were the times she rode her horse, "Blackie" on her grandparents land in South Georgia. Those horse riding experiences were a wonderful memory her entire life. Jackie was a word-class traveler. She loved to travel. She went to England many times, and she went to France, Russia, and Greece several times. Her favorite trip was the safari in Africa. She had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest.

The last 6+ years of her life were spent working to rehabilitate her Rebecca, who suffered strokes and was not given much chance for returning to a normal life. Jackie gave up her life in Atlanta to move to Lavonia to care for her daughter. It was a difficult time in her life. However, she devoted herself to caring for her daughter. As with most everything she did, she was successful. Rebecca has come back more than doctors ever hoped for. Jackie did it at great personal expense; physically, mentally, and emotionally. She always said it was her responsibility as a mother. It did cost her but she did it.

Jackie was always a very determined woman, but her determination enabled her intense devotion to her family, friends, and her many professional accomplishments. However, most importantly, Jackie had a strong belief and faith in God and was guided in life decisions by His directions for others and herself. Jackie was loved and will be missed by many. Rest in peace, our beloved Jackie.

Jackie wished to be cremated and a memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.