Thelma Jackson

Thelma L. Jackson was born on December 12, 1929 to Saul and Carrie Peters. As a young child, her parents died and she was orphaned. Later she was adopted by a relative who encouraged her in her scholastic pursuit. She graduated from high school at 14, completed her master's degree by age 18 from Prairie View A & M University.

Following graduation, she met the love of her life, Floyd Jackson. They were married on December 24, 1954 and only death has separated them. He has faithfully supported her in all her endeavors as they worked side-by-side.

Mrs. Jackson used her skills to enrich the communities where she served. An educator for 40 plus years, her students excelled in athletics (Temple, Texas and Athletic Director EISD), tap dancing (T. Jackson Dancers), pageant queens (Miss Dignity and Little Miss Dignity), feeding the hungry and maintaining an African American legacy (Booker T. Washington/George Washington Carver Historical Marker), community wedding coordinator and decorator, community activist (instrumental in getting new school named after Elizabeth T. Wrenn), member of St. James AME church for 57 years. She was honored in 2005 with the naming of the Thelma Jackson Sports Pavilion. Thelma loved her church and enjoyed decorating at her beloved St. James AME Church, area nursing homes, and wherever she thought needed a little beauty of flowers, corsages, or boutonnieres.

As a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Grand mama, Grand mommy Jackson, Grandma was the push behind every degree, academic step, musical triumph, athletic accomplishment. As she traveled many miles (arranging flowers along the way) just to cheer her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, god children, family members and friends on to victory.

Sister Jackson will always be remembered for her dedication and love especially by her loving husband, Floyd; children, Glenda (Alvin) and Lyle; grandchildren, Louis, Karin, Brandan, Jasmine, Ryan, Jarrett, Isaiah, Alayah, Victoria, and Kyle; great grandchildren, Jayla and Skylar; sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, a host of family and friends.