Chef Ina Garten also wrote her sympathies, “Oh Jennifer, I’m heartbroken for you!!! She was the best buddy and always up for an adventure with all of you. Sending my love to you and the kids. I’m so glad they’re home with you now. Birdie will be eating turkey in heaven.”

Amid the grief, Jennifer turned to her family and community to find comfort. On Thanksgiving Day, she reunited with her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, and their children to volunteer at the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles.

Together, they served 2,000 homeless and near-homeless individuals at the non-profit’s annual Thanksgiving brunch, spending three hours working side by side and sharing warm moments.

Jennifer wore a navy sweater with her hair tied back in a ponytail, while Ben, dressed in a brown button-down, stayed close to their children. This Thanksgiving also marked Ben’s first without his estranged wife, Jennifer Lopez.

This year’s bittersweet Thanksgiving came during a challenging time for Jennifer. In April, she announced the passing of her beloved father, William “Billy Jack” Garner, who died surrounded by family.

Jennifer took to Instagram to share a tearjerking tribute dedicated to William in which she showcased an array of beautiful father-daughter moments spanning decades—from her childhood memories with him to more recent family gatherings.

Amid the various photos, one could see the undeniable bond that was shared between Jennifer and her late dad, a bond echoed in the loving family photos she posted, some of which featured her mother Patricia Garner, and her sisters, Susannah Kay Garner Carpenter and Melissa Garner Wylie.

A particularly touching addition was a video from a past Capital One ad campaign showing Jennifer—who was joined by William at the end of the video—narrating a story about her father’s pride in signing up for “the Jennifer Garner card.”

Accompanying the sweet pictures was the “Elektra” star’s caption which expressed a profound sense of loss tempered with gratitude for the life her father led.

“My dad passed peacefully Saturday afternoon. We were with him, singing Amazing Grace as he left us […] While there is no tragedy in the death of an 85 year old man who lived a healthy, wonderful life, I know grief is unavoidable […]Today is for gratitude,” she wrote.

She also highlighted the devoted, adoring, and patient father he was to her and her siblings and the loving husband he was to her mom, for 59 years. Additionally, Jennifer thanked the medical communities of Charleston Area Medical Center and City of Hope for providing William with the best care they could.

Growing up as one of three daughters in Charleston, West Virginia, Jennifer recounted her childhood as “pretty peaceful,” shaped by her mother, a schoolteacher, and her father, a Union Carbide employee.

William—as described by Jennifer in a past interview with “PBS’s” Kelly Corrigan in October 2020—was a man of the world despite the family’s deep West Virginian roots. His adventurous spirit took him around the globe, instilling in his daughters the importance of resilience and the value of home.

Previously referred to as “Bill” by Jennifer when she was younger, the actress spoke about how this then changed to “Billy Jack,” highlighting his Texan roots which, she said, grew deeper the older he got. While discussing his persona, Jennifer fondly remarked, “My dad is—he’s so great.”

More than gushing about her dad and loved ones in interviews, Jennifer’s social media had long been a testament to the significant role her family played in her life. In September 2023, she shared a touching post featuring a carousel of images from a family visit to Charleston.

Among the pictures and videos she shared, she included a heartwarming photo that showed her and William standing next to a 1948 Studebaker Champion which she gifted to him as an early birthday present.

Another post from September 2022, which showed the same picture Jennifer Garner had included in the recent tribute post she shared following William’s passing, celebrated the late doting dad’s birthday.

In this same post, she detailed his life’s milestones and the profound impact he had on his family. A part of the loving caption read, “Happy birthday. Billy Jack Garner, son of George Floyd and Exie Mae. Eagle Scout. @tamu Corps Cadet and Ross Volunteer. Class of 1960. Union Carbide Chemical Engineer for close to 40 years.”

This detailed account was also interwoven with personal anecdotes such as “In my dad, my Grandfather had a best little buddy, his brilliant adorable sidekick,” and “We have the OG Girl Dad— the best Granddad out there, the ultimate problem solver and world class hugger.”

Concluding her statement she added, “We are so proud to be yours, Dad. We celebrate you every day and love you.”

Jennifer’s tribute to her late father was a touching homage to a man who lived a full life, was adored by his family, and left behind a legacy of love, strength, and integrity.

As she, her sisters, and her mom honored his life and reminisced over memories, the world caught a glimpse of the remarkable man William was. In their grief, the Garner family found solace in gratitude, celebrating the life of a dearly loved dad and husband.

Jennifer Garner’s kindness and tributes show her strength during a difficult year. From honoring her dog Birdie to remembering her father and helping her community, she finds comfort in love, gratitude, and connection.