Obituary of Lillian Jackson

Lillian Louise Mayo Jackson was born on June 27, 1934 in Paterson, New Jersey to the late Reavie Pearl (nee Smith) and George Bernard Mayo. She was the youngest of four children. She attended school in Paterson, New Jersey and Cumberland, Virginia. She completed her formal education in Paterson, New Jersey. Early in life, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior. The late Rev. Griffin of Christian Missionary Baptist Church (New Christian Missionary Church in Paterson baptized her. She and her sister Christine sang with the Junior Choir. Lillian met and married Hollis M. Jackson. One child, Patricia (Pattie) was born to this union. Hollis's military career took them to many bases in the U.S. and abroad. The family spent many years stationed in Europe, allowing them the opportunity to travel extensively to many European countries and cities. Upon Hollis's retirement, the family settled in Petersburg, Virginia. For many years she was employed as a domestic engineer with Howard Johnson Hotel in Petersburg, Virginia. Affectionately known as Lil to her family and friends, she never met a stranger. She personified an earthly missionary. She had a love for all people. She delighted in her grandchildren. Her affection for people extended past her family. One might refer to her as the community mother. She was often headed to a cultural event with grandchildren and neighborhood children in tow. Her sister Christine remembers her as being the most generous person she had ever known. She opened her home to those less fortunate, eager to help and care for others. She gave freely of her possessions, never expecting anything in return. She kept nothing for herself. Lillian transitioned from life to glory on Sunday, March 23, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hollis M. Jackson, her parents George Mayo, Pearl Mayo - Harvey, step-father Henry Harvey, two brothers James Wilson and Robert (Bobby) Mayo, brothers- in- law, Robert (Bobby Cochran), Henry, Thomas (Bubba), John, Grover, James, Albert and Willie Robert (Bob) Jackson, sisters- in- law, Calondia and Adela Jackson, Margie Taylor, Larraine Clark, Helen Mickens, Ellen Duren and Mable Anthony. Fond memories will be cherished by her daughter, Patricia (Pattie) Jackson, three grandchildren, Teasha, Shayla and Erica Jackson; one great grandchild, Latrelle Jackson; her sister, Christine (Mayo) Cochran; sisters-in -law Carrie, Bea and Rebecca Jackson; special friends, Emma Tanner, Jo Anne Gibson, Shawn King, a number of nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.