Mrs. Viola Florence Jackson was born May 28, 1928, to the late James Taylor Rucker and Willie Lee Davis Rucker in Commerce, Georgia. She was the middle child of five children, James Thurmond, Evelyn, Luther Frank (Buck), and Hilda Irene. Her oldest brother Thurmond affectionately nicknamed her "Flop" as they grew up together. Our beloved Mrs. Jackson received her wings to be with her Heavenly Father on January 19, 2022.
Mrs. Jackson is preceded in death by her parents and siblings James Thurmond Rucker, Luther Frank (Buck) Rucker, and Evelyn Fields. Also, preceding her in death was her beloved cat, Tiger.
Mrs. Jackson grew up in Commerce, GA, and received her early education at Johnstown Colored School. She later moved to Gainesville, GA, and attended Beulah Rucker School. She later transferred to Fair Street School, where she received her high school diploma in 1946. After high school, Mrs. Jackson found employment at a dry cleaner in Gainesville. She met a customer who would later become the love of her life. This handsome young man was Willie D. Jackson. He courted his young "bride-to-be" until she said yes on December 11, 1950. Through this union, there were three children, Kenneth, Sharon Elaine, and Duane Kennard. Mrs. Jackson loved her family and was very proud of all her children and would often boast to others about their accomplishments. Mrs. Jackson loved the Lord and was a devoted member of Mt. Calvary Church of God Holiness in Gainesville, GA, under the leadership of the late Elder William Oliver, the late Elder T.R. McBride, and current pastor, Elder Roger L. Owens. There she served as Head of the Usher Board, the church's Mistress of Ceremonies, Secretary of the Matrons Christian League, and a dedicated Sunday School Teacher. She was also recognized as one of the "Mothers" of the church.
Mrs. Jackson loved helping and giving to others, which would be no surprise that her chosen career path led to nursing. For thirty-five years, she was a loyal, dedicated employee with Gainesville Obstetrics and Gynecology, where she served as a Nursing Assistant. She often shared loving memories of working with Dr. Burns, Dr. White, Dr. French & many others. Those who remember her still talk about how much they enjoyed her service and kindness. Her smile and laughter were contagious; she was a truly kind spirit. She received a well-deserved award for her loyalty and outstanding service there.
Mrs. Jackson was a very classy and stylish lady. She had an eye for fashion, and quality was more important to her than quantity. She took pride in her appearance and was often complimented on her
attire and fancy hats. Her creative gifts were displayed not only by her presence but also by her home decorating skills. A few of her hobbies included ceramics, floral arrangements, and wreaths which she
made herself and would gift most of these beautiful works of art to others. She also loved the Christmas holiday season and would decorate the interior of her entire home with her creative touches. Her
favorite and most proud possessions were her village collections, which she eventually left up all year to show them off and explain their origin to each new guest. She loved to entertain, and she was a most
elegant host.
The world changes from year to year and our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of Mrs. Jackson shall never pass away. Her legacy will live on through her family, friends, and all who loved her,
where she instilled love, joy, and happiness. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" was her motto, and she was a perfect example of how to do just that. But she would take it further and
added to this motto to take it one step further- “where you just do good unto others, period, just for the sake of it”.
As a family, we have been blessed to be under the umbrella of pure unconditional love and affection, and we know that she will eternally continue to shower us with her blessings. The life memories of Mrs.
Viola Florence Jackson will be forever cherished by her devoted and loving husband, Mr. Willie D. Jackson; Three children - Kenneth (Patience) Jackson, (Oakwood, GA); Sharon Jackson Bullock
(Washington, DC); Dr. Duane K.(Beverly) Jackson, (Elkridge, MD); Five grandchildren - Kenneth Gregory (Monica) Jackson (Hoschton, GA); Demeco L. Jackson (Stone Mountain, GA); Jonathan F. Bullock
(Bethesda, MD); Niema (Tony)Smith, (Sykesville, MD); Archie (Danielle) Trader IV (Reisterstown, MD); Six great grandchildren - M'Kaylah J. Jackson, Ada Grace Jackson, Hudson Gregory Jackson, Justin
Trader, Sean Trader, Morgan Trader; Sister - Hilda (Theodore) Worsham (Gainesville, GA); Brother in-law - Jonathan Jackson (Gainesville, GA); Sister in-law - Mrs. Sammie Sue Rucker (Commerce, GA);
Goddaughter - Crystal A. Lipscomb (Evan) Parker (East Pointe, GA); A Host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family & friends. Special Friends - Mrs. Clara Dorsey & Ms. Dorothy Lyle (Gainesville, GA); Special Adopted Daughters - Ms. Donna Summerour (West Palm Beach, FL); Rev. Debra Straughter (Fredericksburg, VA).
The visitation for Mrs. Jackson will be Friday January 28th between the hours of 12-8pm at Wimberly Funeral Home. Mrs. Jackson's Celebration of Life will be Saturday January 29th at Mt. Calvary Church of God Holiness at the hour of 1pm. Professional Service Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.
