Mrs. Ernestine Jackson

Mrs. Ernestine Jackson, 83, transitioned to her heavenly home at 3:23 am on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at her home. Ernestine was born on June 23, 1940 in Benoit, Mississippi to Isaac, Sr. and Mary (Washington) Humes. She married the love of her life Atty. Donald R. Jackson, Sr. on January 21, 1961 at the former St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Peoria, IL. Ernestine Jackson was a force for equal opportunity throughout Central Illinois. She had worked in the field almost 50 years when she retired from the City of Bloomington, Illinois in 2015 at the age of 75. The year she retired, she was elected to the board of Peoria District 150, representing District 3. Ernestine’s career in equal opportunity and affirmative action began in the late 1960s at the University of Illinois. In Peoria, while civil rights activists were in the streets pushing for equal opportunity in jobs, housing and education, Ernestine often found herself on the other front line inside city hall pushing to end discriminatory practices. She was the first director of fair employment and housing for the City of Peoria, assistant to the city manager for Champaign, director of diversity for CILCO, a personnel officer for the University of Illinois, human relations director for Bloomington and last worked as the EEOC Director for the City of Bloomington. Though her job titles changed from city to city, her duties were always similar. Her work meant countless numbers were hired, promoted or awarded business contracts. Mrs. Jackson was active in many organizations, including the Illinois Municipal Human Relations Association, the Illinois Affirmative Action Officers Association and the Colored Ladies Book Club. She served as an officer or member of several state and local committees of the NAACP. Her life-long love of singing led her to join school and church choirs. She was a founding member of the Heritage Ensemble. She was a 2023 honoree of the Peoria Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta’s annual Sisterhood and Legends Celebration. Ernestine was one of the founding members of Liberty Church of Peoria. Ernestine accomplished all of this with a 12th grade education! But if asked, she would tell you that the accomplishment she was most proud of was being a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. She was much loved and will be greatly missed. Ernestine leaves to cherish her most precious memories her husband of 62 years, Atty. Donald R. Jackson, Sr.; three sons, Donald Jackson, Jr. and Dale (Diane Linda) Jackson both of Peoria, IL and Deric (Hannah Puffer) Jackson of Plymouth, MN; two brothers, Issac (Delores) Humes, Jr. and Richard (Gladys) Humes of Las Vegas, NV; two sisters, Maggie Jenkins of Cedar Rapids, IA and Tracy (Eugene) Gathers of Peoria, IL; 6 grandchildren, Desirae (Duane Simmons) Jackson, Mario Jackson, Sofia Jackson, Lewyn Jackson, Tiffany (Dominique) Hobbs and Randy Jackson, Jr.; 12 great grandchildren, Trinity, Leiana, Le’Naya, D’Ahira, Analya, T’Ayla, Delano, Serenity, Randy III, Jathan, Kaidyn and Marie; 3 great-great grandchildren, Aubriella, Akai and Angel; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends who loved her. She is preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law, Kathlyn (Francis) Williams; one brother, Robert Humes and one sister, Geneva Jackson-Grant. Funeral services will be at 11 am on Friday, September 15, 2023 at St. Paul Church with a visitation 2 hours prior beginning at 9 am. Pastor Deveraux Hubbard is the Host Pastor. Ernestine's Pastor, Rev. Marvin Hightower of Liberty Church of Peoria, will bring the eulogy. Ernestine will be laid to rest at Swan Lake Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local NAACP in 3 ways: 1: Mail to Office at 101 N. MacArthur Highway, Peoria, IL 61605; 2: https://www.peorianaacp.com or 3: use the QR Code in the Photos/Videos tab on this website. Also, donations may be made to the Heritage Ensemble, https://heritageensemble.com or Liberty Church of Peoria at 2828 W Flint St, Peoria, IL 61604. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Mrs. Ernestine Jackson

June 23, 1940 - September 6, 2023