Evelyn Jackson

March 24, 2015

Evelyn passed away peacefully, Tuesday March 24, 2015 surrounded by her devoted family at Spring Meadows Senior Community. Evelyn affectionately known as “Granny” and “Aunt EV” was born on May 27, 1930 in Drew, MS to the union of Samuel and Annie Derring, both of whom preceded her in death. As a child, Granny attended and accepted Christ at the East Mt. Oliver Baptist Church in Drew, MS under the leadership of Rev. Gaston. In February of 1946 she married Willie E. Jackson Sr. and to their union eight children were born. They relocated to Toledo in December of 1951. Along with her husband, Granny was a founding member of Southern Missionary Baptist Church. Evelyn was a mighty woman of God and a strong prayer warrior. She had a love and excitement for the Lord that was evident in the way that she lived her life. She loved her church family and her Pastor, the late Rev. Robert P. Wormely. Granny was a faithful member of the Nurse’s Guild, Missionary Society and Sunday school for over 30 years until her health began to fail her. She made sure that her children and grandchildren were active in church. The echo of Granny’s voice still rings in the ears of our family “It’s one thing to believe in God, it’s another thing to trust in God.” Granny made her church and her family the top priorities of her entire life. She was a devoted mother and homemaker. It wasn’t until her youngest child (Fred) entered school that she entered the work force. She worked briefly at Clean Ware Laundry, then later at the Plaza Care Nursing Facility. She retired after a few years, returning home to care for her husband and family. Granny was crazy about her babies, had them all spoiled rotten and they never had to go home if they did not want to. One of her last request to us was to always take care of her babies. Jamal took great pride being the youngest grandchild, he is quick to point out that fact, especially to the great-grands. In addition to her family, she loved reading her bible, watching game shows, and working jigsaw and word search puzzles. Two of her dearest passions were cooking and baking. Among her specialties, potato salad, Caramel Cake, German Chocolate Cake, Egg Pie, Sweet Potato Pie and the World Famous Evelyn Jackson Pound Cake. Granny made 1530 Indiana Ave a place of non-judgment. She gave sound advice to all who walked in and made a beautiful lasting impression on all who met her. In addition to her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years Willie E. Jackson Sr., brothers: Amos Derring, Elmer, Luther and Amos Lee and Eddie Brown. Sisters: Annie Jordan and Rachel Derring. Children: Brenda and Bruce Jackson. 2 Grandchildren and 1 Great Grandchild. Granny leaves to carry on her legacy of love sons: Willie Jr., Samuel, Lynford Sr., Frederick Sr. (Fannie) Jackson and step-son Henry Starks. Daughters: Delores (Norris Sr.) Finley, and Carmen Sparks, 19 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and special nephew Roosevelt Deering (Chicago, IL). Special Children: Tajuana Coleman-Moore, Joyce Parker, Joyce Glover, Perry Harris III, Frena Brown, Andrew Porter, James and Stephanie Huddleston. Special Friends: Doris Addie, Helen Hitt and Rose McDaniel. Special friends and caregivers: Gloria Rayford, Keisha and Rev. Lee Williams.