Nannette W. Jackson

Grace Nannette White Jackson was born on September 13, 1915 to the union of William B. and Minnie M. White in Dumas, Arkansas. As a child she had fond memories of growing up in Dumas, Arkansas and attending Tyree Temple A.M.E., where she professed her faith in Christ at an early age. Her formal education began in Dumas Public Schools where she completed grades K-8th grade. In order to complete her high school education, she attended Shorter College in Little Rock, Arkansas and completed high school in three years. The importance of education was instilled in her at an early age so she received a Bachelor of Science in Education from AM&N College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. After moving to Arkadelphia she completed a Master of Science in Education at Henderson State University. As an educator, she touched the lives of students for thirty-six years in Dumas, Crossett and Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Her passion for teaching showed how one person’s commitment, determination, and perseverance could change the lives of so many students. She retired from teaching in 1977. As an active member of the Clark County Retired Teacher’s Association she continued to encourage and mentor other educators. On March 27, 1946, she was united in holy matrimony to Lewis Jerry Jackson. She joined St. Paul A.M.E. in 1947 where she diligently served the Lord and His people. She was committed to her relationship with Jesus Christ and was loyal to her church family. She served as a Primary Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, President of the Women’s Missionary Society, a member of the Lay Organization and Trustee Board member. As a life member of the Women’s Missionary Society, she thoroughly enjoyed Quadrennial WMS Conventions in South Carolina, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Florida and the last one attended in 2003 in Dallas, Texas. Other organizations that she served on and held dearly in her heart were the Sunshine Service Club,life member of the NAACP and a Charter Member of Church Women United of Arkadelphia. On Monday evening, January 18, 2010, Grace Nannette White was born into eternity. Her family who loved her dearly will sadly miss her, but celebrate her many accomplishments. Left to cherish her life: two sisters, Mae White of Dumas, Arkansas, and Alma Lewis of Fresno, California; 3 grandchildren, Michele Hamilton Rhodes of Prescott, Arkansas, Keith Hamilton and Nicole Hamilton of Richardson, TX; one great- granddaughter Grayson Rhodes of Prescott, Arkansas; ,seven nieces and nephews, Phyllis White Snulligan (Jesse), Barbara White Burton, Blanch White Jones of St. Louis, Missouri, Kenneth, Ronald (Ann), Richard, Michaelyn Lewis of Fresno, California; other relatives and friends. Mrs. Jackson will lie in state on Thursday, January 21, 2010, from 2:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:00 p.m. A Celebration of her Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 22, 2010, in the sanctuary of St. Paul AME Church, where Dr. James H. Giles, Sr. is the pastor and Dr. James H. Thomas, III will preach a message of hope. Committal and final resting place will be in Washington Hill Cemetery at the Boughton Community of Prescott, Arkansas. Bearers of the casket will be Felix Wiley, Howard Austin, Sr., Frederick Middleton, James D. Nelson, Terrance Carter and Randall McClure.