Mrs. Mary A. Jackson, an only child, was born April 11, 1930 to William Arrington, Montgomery, AL and Mrs. Georgia Jackson Arrington, originally from Comer, AL. Both parents preceded her in death.
At the age of six, she met Christ at the Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church, Montgomery, AL, her father's church, and was baptized at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Midway, AL where her mother taught school. She later joined the First Missionary Baptist Church, Union Springs, AL, which was her mother's home church. She worked faithfully at this church until her death.
Her high school diploma was received from Snow Hill Institute, Snow Hill, AL; B.S. and MED from Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, AL; and a MED from Auburn University, Auburn, AL.
Her employment was all spent in the field of education in the Bullock County, AL school system. She proudly served as Associate Superintendent for Bullock County Schools. Her love for education and children continued after retirement in 1984. Serving as PTO President at Union Springs Elementary School; member of Bullock County Board of Education; president of the Bullock County Public Schools Foundation (PIE); counsel member of Montgomery Catholic High School; YMCA Board member; Commissioner for the Union Springs Housing Authority and member of the Bullock County Retired Teachers Association.
Ms. Jackson participated in civic organizations and activities: Bullock County Tourism Counsel; Quality Assurance Committee (DHR); and Chamber of Commerce Planning Commission.
Her Church was her love. She served as financial secretary/ treasurer for over forty years. She loved music and served as Director of the gospel chorus and the male chorus for many years and was dedicated to her bible class. Her husband and some of her friends call the church her second home for she loved it so much that her own home went lacking in deference to her church. She was an active member of Church Women United, and also enjoyed writing church speeches.
She leaves to remember her love and existence, a family consisting of her loving husband, Bennie J. Jackson III, Union Springs, AL; one son, Maurice V Pickett, Montgomery AL; one granddaughter (adopted daughter), Alexis B. (Brian) Spence, Atlanta, GA; one grandson, Alex Maurice Pickett, Biloxi, MS; one daughter in law, Kathy Pickett, Biloxi,MS; one great-granddaughter, Ayana Pickett, Biloxi, MS; four step-grandchildren, Syri Anika Harris, Sterling Heights, MI; DaMar Jackson, Detroit MI, Bennie J. Jackson V, Detroit, MI; DaMara Jackson, Detroit, MI; eight step-great grandchildren; Two special first cousins, Josiah Lamar ( Dorothy) Townsel, Jonesboro, GA; Wyllene Wall, Cleveland, OH; a number of cousins; in-laws; several "children", and many friends.