Jessie Louise Jackson Poe

Evans Funeral Home announces the death of Mrs. Jessie Louise Jackson Poe, 84 , of Jefferson, Ga., passed on to her reward Friday, March 29, 2013.

She was the 10th and last child born to the late Anner and Jesse Jackson. She was born July 18, 1928 in Jackson County in the Thyatira Community. The Jackson family later moved to the Apple Valley Community.

As a young lady during world war two, Louise read a news article in the Jackson Herald asking citizens to write to our fighting men overseas. Men's names and APO address were included. she knew several of those listed but decided to write to Woodrow Poe of the Brockton Community. She asked her daddy if she could write to him. Grandpa Jesse knew the Poe family and gave his approval. they started correspondence in 1943. Over the next two years many letters were passed between Apple Valley and the islands of the south Pacific, and romance was started. After the war was over, in September 1945 Woodrow came home to Jackson County. He and Louise started courting in person then. They were married on November 24, 1945 at the Jackson County Courthouse by Ordinary L.B. Moon. Two of Woodrow's brothers and their fiancés were also wed that same week. They had also been away at war.

In 1947 Louise and Woodrow purchased a farm close to Woodrow's family home in the Brockton Community near Jefferson, Ga. They made a home there for the remainder of their lives. They had a full and rich life together that included the blessing of four loving children. There were never two people happier than they were working and raising a family together for over 48 years. Woodrow passed away in February of 1994 leaving a great void in Louise's life and lives of all who knew him. Memories of Woodrow and love for her family sustained Louise for the remainder of her life. All the grandchildren and great grandchildren knew that a welcome smile, a hug, and cookie were always abundant in a visit to Nanny Poe's house. Louise and Woodrow were dedicated Christians and were active members of the Bethany United Methodist Church in the Brockton Community. Due to disabilities, Louise was not able to attend church services in her later years. Before Woodrow's death they were also active in the VFW Post 2872 in Athens.

Louise was predeceased by her parents, her husband, 8 sisters and brothers and a grandson, Justin Poe. She is survived by her sister Ruth J. Stancil of Jefferson, and her four children listed in order of birth, Carolyn Poe Jones (Donald) Jefferson, Ga., Marvin Poe (Denise), Monroe, Ga., Raymond Poe (Debbie), Valdosta, Ga., and the youngest Kenny (Andrea) of Jefferson, Ga. also surviving 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.

Visitation will be Saturday March 30, 2013 at Evans Funeral Home from 4-8 PM. Her homecoming celebration will be Monday April 1, 2012 at 2:00 at Bethany United Methodist Church with Rev. Johnny Ray and Billy Poe officiating. Louise will be laid to rest with Woodrow and Justin a short distance from her childhood home at Jackson Memorial Gardens, Commerce, Ga.

The family is appreciative of any floral donations in her memory and also would be grateful for any donations in her memory to the Bethany United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund.



Evans Funeral Home Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia. 706-367-5467.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com