Mrs. Legertha (Ross) Jackson

Mrs. Legertha (Ross) Jackson, 82 of 1103 W. Butler Street, Peoria, IL passed at 12:24 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital in Katy, TX. Sis. Jackson was born on Christmas Day, 1929 in Crugar, MS to Booker T. Sr. and Cornelius (Randle) Ross. She attended Philippine Grammar School in Provident, MS and Mt. Ollie High School in Lexington, MS. After moving to Peoria IL several years later, she completed her GED Exam in November of 1985. She married Jimmie Lee Jackson on February 26, 1956 in Peoria and to that union eight children were born. He preceded her in death on November 20, 1996 after 40 years of marriage. Sis. Jackson leaves to cherish her most precious memories her loving children; Anthony Ray Jackson, Denise Jackson and Calvin Craig Jackson all of Peoria, Lee Edward (& Hiawatha) Jackson, Janice Jackson-Hightower and Sherry Jackson all of Houston, and Cheryl Kay Jackson of Los Angeles, CA; eight grandchildren, Adrian, Marque, Kayla, Cierra, Philip, Issac, Omar and Octavia; one great grandchild, Peyton; three brothers, Morris (& Lula Mae) Ross of Chicago, Eugene Ross and Booker (& Leola) Ross, Jr., both of Peoria; three sisters, Willie Mae (& Ted) Williams, Jeanette Jackson and Clara Ross all of Peoria; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and her New Morning Star M.B. Church family. Sis. Jackson is also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Leon Ross Jackson; two brothers and two sisters. Sis. Jackson was a housekeeping supervisor at OSF St. Francis Medical Center retiring in December of 1991 after 26 years of service. She was a foster grandparent with PCCEO and a member of the Senior Program at George Washington Carver Center for many years. In 2005 she received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President George W. Bush. She loved decorating, gardening, bowling and cooking for her family and others. At age 12, Sis. Jackson accepted Christ in Lexington, MS at Gordon Chapel M.B Church and was baptized under the leadership of Pastor A.W. Jones. Sis. Jackson was a faithful member of New Morning Star M. B. Church where she served in many ministries: the Usher Board, United Usher Board, Women’s Visiting Mission, Mothers Board and was known for her decorating talents at their annual Calendar Tea event. During 2004-2005 Mother Jackson was named New Morning Star’s Woman of the Year. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Friday, March 2, 2012 at her beloved church. A two hour visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 am. Pastor Cleveland Thomas, Sr., will officiate. Mother Jackson will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. The family will receive cards and condolences at 1103 W. Butler St. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements.

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Mrs. Legertha (Ross) Jackson

July 25, 1929 - February 21, 2012