A Lowveld gem with a larger-than-life personality, Jenna Clifford, was laid to rest at an intimate life celebration at her farm next to Longmere Dam on Tuesday.

With only her closest friends and family present, Clifford was buried in nature, where animals roam freely and where she was at her happiest.

Clifford passed away last week after a short battle with cancer.

Rest in Peace, Jenna Clifford 🕊️

We join the nation in mourning the loss of iconic jewellery designer, philanthropist, and founder of the @JennaClifford brand, who passed away on 20 May after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jenna was more than a celebrated creative — she was a… pic.twitter.com/EpwEDvegEr

— PREVID▲R (@Previdar) May 21, 2025

The announcement came as a shock, prompting thousands of people to take to social media to share their condolences, anecdotes and special memories of interactions with her.

ALSO READ: South Africa mourns Jenna Clifford, iconic jeweller and women’s rights advocate

Clients from across the world have paid tribute to her remarkable ability to capture their personalities in the bespoke jewellery she designed for them.

In the Lowveld, Clifford, with her bold personality, fostered a deep connection with nature, animals and conservation.

The Jenna Clifford Design page posted on Monday: “In her gown and slippers, she found joy in the simple things; cooking, gardening, being close to nature, and sharing space with the animals she loved.”

Her life partner, Graham Hall, told Lowvelder on Monday that she will be remembered for her selfless nature, always caring for others and making time for anyone, whether rich or poor.

“She loved the farm where horses, donkeys, chickens, turkeys and an abundance of birds were always around the house. The donkeys would sometimes stroll into the house to beg for treats and a hug from Jen,” shared Hall.

Clifford was seldom seen without a poodle in her arms or on her lap. “At night, the jackals would call, and when going for a ride on the farm, she would take pleasure in the sight of impala, zebra and small antelope on the property.

“Jenna was a force of nature. It didn’t matter whether you had spent one minute or lots of time in her presence, she left a lasting impression,” said Hall.

“She always fought for the underdog and put in effort to stay connected with friends. Our friendship started almost five years ago, and for the past three-and-a-half years, it was my privilege to be by her side. Our bond was cemented in our shared values, empathetic nature, and the losses we experienced in life. I thought we were going to grow old together, but it was not to be. I will miss her forever. It is a difficult time for all of us.”

ALSO READ: Jenna Clifford remembered in heartfelt tribute by her 3 daughters

Close friend and confidante Charmaine Mabuza is still working through the loss of her dear friend: “Jenna was truly a beacon of light with a giving heart. She deeply cared for people and for animals. She used her craft and skills as a platform to help those in need.

“I am blessed to have known her as a mentor, friend, mom and a soul sister. Jenna had the ability to bring people from all walks of life together to experience her warmth and humanity. May her soul rest in peace at the place she loved most, the farm in White River.”

Former MEC for finance in Mpumalanga and now South African Ambassador to Cuba, Pinky Phosa, sent a heartfelt message: “How does one confine a legacy to a few words? While words may fail to do justice to my sister, Jenna, I know that she loved with all her heart, and we will always remain sisters. Her personality, warmth and passion drew people to her and she would, without hesitation, wrap them in her emotional bubble, bringing them not only joy but solace and peace. She was unconditional in her affection and friendship, and my family became her family and her family became mine. Being far away, my sister’s caring spirit encompassed my daughter, Tshepiso, when she had her first child.”

Tshepiso Phosa, who became like a daughter to Jenna, said: “Jenna had a profound impact on me and my late sister Moya’s lives. She wrote the foreword for my book Fuelling Futures, and was the most selfless person I had ever met. She taught me that kindness and grace are the best ways to handle God’s people. She never saw colour, but people. When my mother left for Cuba, she became my second mom and granny to my son. I called her gogo.”

Jack Brotherton, whom Jenna fondly called ‘boetie’ and his wife Marielize, said: “From the moment I met her, it was clear she had a rare and radiant presence that touched lives in the most profound way. She brought warmth, grace and light into every space she entered, and into the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She taught us all so much, without fanfare, without expectation. She showed us how to love unconditionally, with a heart that knew no limit, and to embrace others just as they are. She gave selflessly of her time, energy, and, above all, love. She created a home that was not only beautiful but also safe and a true sanctuary. Her beautiful daughters, Shayna, Chanelle and Summer, are a living testament to her strength, elegance and boundless love. Through them, her spirit will continue to shine.”

A pillar of strength in the Clifford household for the past 25 years, Lucy Mlimo, said Clifford was not only her employer, but a sister: “I helped raise the children, and specifically Summer, as Jenna was still pregnant with Summer when I started working for them. She was loving and, in her life, everyone else was number one. I’m going to miss her a lot.”

When Clifford still owned her helicopter, Phillip Cope used to do the flying for her. Jenna called him Top Gun from the first day he met her: “I met Jenna in late 2007 at her home on Lake Longmere for the very first time, and it was clear then that she was a force of nature. Her energy, vibrance, and sheer determination to be involved in everything she could was inspiring, to say the least. Jen and I became friends immediately and spent many hours on our flights to and from Joburg solving the world’s problems, ranging from conservation to politics to world finances. Jen was well read, well informed and she had a very clear opinion of what she saw as the way forward in any aspect of life and love. She took great pleasure in seeing people succeed in their lives.”

Kraai Kamffer, well-known personality in equestrian circles, said: “I met Jenna many years ago, but four years ago she invited me to an event in Johannesburg and our friendship grew stronger after that. I was in the defence force for 15 years, and Jenna was not only interested in but also shared my view on life. She had a passion for uplifting women, and we spoke for hours on how women could stand strong in a man’s world, but remain feminine. I assisted her with the horses on the farm, and she would jokingly say that if I were there, the horses would be fine. My long afternoon visits will be cherished forever.”

With her hand always open to give, Clifford was involved in many Mpumalanga CANSA events and projects.

In a tribute posted on Facebook, CANSA wrote: “Jenna was more than a celebrated South African jewellery designer; she was a visionary, a philanthropist and a passionate advocate supporting our cause. A long-time supporter of CANSA, Jenna partnered with us in countless meaningful ways, from hosting events to donating proceeds from her exquisite creations and even designing the limited-edition CANSA 90-year mug to mark a milestone in our organisation’s journey. Jenna was also a cancer survivor whose resilience and luminous spirit served as a source of inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her. We’ll always remember her unwavering support and generosity that leaves a lasting mark on our cause and the hearts of those facing cancer.”