Jacqueline Jackson

Jacqueline Jackson was born on October 7, 1951, to the proud parents of George Henry Jackson and Gertie Mae (Taylor) Jackson in Houston, Texas. Jacqueline had a thirst for knowledge and understanding.  Her quest for learning was cultivated during her school years in the Houston independent School District.  She attended Langston Elementary School, E. O. Smith Middle School, and the pride and joy of Fifth Ward, home of the wildcats, Phyllis Wheatley High School.  She graduated in May 1970. Jacqueline would go on to attend multiple professional learning programs.  This enabled a prosperous and fulfilling career for Jacqueline that saw her employment journey include HISD, Jefferson Davis Hospital, American Life Insurance, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  She worked over 33 years at IRS as a Tax-Bankruptcy Specialist that required her to work with individuals seeking bankruptcy, teach bankruptcy debtor education courses, and advise judges to help determine the readiness and fit for individuals to be approved for bankruptcy. Jacqueline was a fervent believer in Jesus Christ and regularly demonstrated her faith with clear actions and impact.  Lyons Unity Missionary Baptist Church (LUMBC) was her church home for over 50 years.  Having been introduced to LUMBC through her best friend, Donna Sampy, she began her membership under the leadership of Pastor O. C. Johnson and continued through the current leadership of Pastor Delwin Benton.  Jacqueline greatly enjoyed Sunday school.  Even when illness started to impact her in-person attendance, her Sunday school peers made sure to send Jacqueline the quarterly Sunday school book via postal mail; followed by multiple peers calling her to discuss and study weekly lessons.  This was such a blessing. She truly relished these robust discussions. In 1972, a beautiful woman in blue shorts caught the attention of Gerald Lee Smith, so he approached her for a date.  This beautiful woman was none other than Jacqueline and this moment would blossom into an amazing partnership that birthed two wonderful children – Kimberly Michelle Jackson (August 1973) and Gerald Lee Henry Smith (March 1985).  If you knew Jacqueline, you knew she loved her kids with all she had.  In return, her kids and grandkids respected, adored, and loved her deeply. Jacqueline enjoyed so many other things that made her uniquely “Jackie” as she was affectionately called by many.  To name a few, she loved to bake before illness impacted the strength in her hands.  She also loved short-distance travel, staying at nice hotels, and dining out for a good meal. Her favorite pastime was hanging out with family and close friends; and we all knew that her day would be incomplete without a bit of Victor Newman from Young and the Restless, Frank Reagan from Blue Bloods, and enjoyment of Sprite, M&Ms or Turtles candy, and a good crossword puzzle. Jacqueline departed this earthly life on June 25, 2024. She is preceded in death by her father and mother. She leaves to cherish her memories one loving daughter, Kimberly Jackson Williams Rice (Brian Rice), one faithful son, Gerald Lee Henry Smith (Hattie Mitchell-Smith); two sisters, Delores Wills and Theresa Randall; three grandchildren – Gernee Smith, Nia Rice, and Mister Smith; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and host of friends.