Shirley "JJ' Mahalia Jackson
August 3, 1943 ~ December 31, 2020
Shirley Mahalia Jackson “J.J.” was born August 3, 1943 to the late John and Vinettie Jackson in Mims, Texas. She accepted Christ as her personal Saviour at an early age when she was baptized and joined Rock Island African Methodist Episcopal Church. Although she was not an active member of the church, she continued to donate and support until her death. She departed this life at the age of 77 after a battle with lung cancer surrounded by loved ones on December 31, 2020.
J.J. attended Victory High School until 1956 when she and the family relocated to Oakland, California. She then attended Oakland Technical High School and graduated on June 16, 1961. She worked for the United States Postal Service for many years until her parents fell ill, and she became their caregiver until their death. J.J. and her sister Elsie returned to their birthplace where they have both resided since 2001.
J.J. cherished family; she had a direct hand in raising her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. After the passing of her parents, she devoted most of her time to being a caregiver for others.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory: three children; two sons Selwyn Jackson of Lone Star, Texas and Scedric Jackson (Joleah) of Oakland, California; one daughter, Sonya Jackson of Lewisville, Texas; seven grandchildren, Valecia Harris (Michael) of Aubrey, Texas, Dawniqua Hayes of Longview, Texas, Mariea’L Jackson-Smith of Lone Star, Texas, Marquel Smith of Prairie View, Texas, Scedric Jackson Jr, Leila Jackson, and Joshua Jackson of Oakland, California; two great-grandchildren Mykal Harris and Jaxon Harris of Aubrey, Texas; one sister, Elsie Jackson of Lone Star, Texas, one brother Robert “Bob” Jackson (Joyce) of Midwest City, Oklahoma; two bonus families; the Martin and Pickett Family, friend John Taylor Sr. and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by parents, John and Vinettie; granddaughter, Angelique; brothers, Leon, OV, O’Neal, Charles (Meg) and James; sister, Berlene; and friend, George Lee Jacobs Jr.
Services for Ms. Jackson will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 9, 2021 at the Reeder-Davis Chapel in Ore City. Burial will follow at Mt. Pilgrim Cemetery in Lone Star under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Ore City.
There will be a time of visitation from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home in Ore City.
Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to the family. Praying God sends down his angels to comfort you.
My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Sonya, condolences and prayers to your family on the loss of your mother.
Words cannot express how much you meant to me. God Bless you JJ. Mama #2.
Heaven gained a angel. Love you and will forever Miss you!