Clara Jackson

PHENOMENAL WOMAN
Now you understand
Just why my heads not bowed.
I dont shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
Its in the bend of my hair,
The sun of my smile,
The need for my care,
The grace of my style.
Cause Im a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
Thats me. -Maya Angelou
On November 13, 1929, the Great Architect of this world set forth His hand at accomplishing the phenomenal in the life, beauty, and radiance of Clara Jackson. All who were privileged and honored with her company can attest to the uncommon uniqueness of such an elegant life force.
and the Lord spelled her name CLARA.
Born to Elliot Toatley and Alma Lee McLemore (both predeceased), she was destined to possess an intimate and resounding genuineness that would imprint on the lives of its fortunate beneficiaries.
and the Lord spelled her name DAUGHTER.
On January 27, 1951, she entered into holy matrimony with the love of her life, Glen Jackson. Assuming her role as help mate, best friend, and crowned jewel, she served her husband for over 60 years in loving faithfulness and humility. In him, she found a patient strength, uncompromising character, and the banana to her split. In her, he found an alluring spark, a loving truth, and his sweet potato pie. Together, they found their happily ever after.
and the Lord spelled her name WIFE.
Just as an eagle keeps watch over her young, Clara remained vigilant over her most precious treasure and proudest achievementson, Felton Sonny Jackson (Minnie). Also, closely nestled underneath the wing of her motherly affection was a cherished and irreplaceable daughter/niece, Karen Kasey Swan (Kerry). She doctored through healing words, educated with an exceptional instinct, refined by exquisite example, and loved with every fiber of her being. She and her children shared a welcoming relationship of limitless laughter & understanding tears tender advice & firm rebuke. No subject off limits. No trouble too deep. Sonny and Kasey were never too grown. She was always Momma; her love surpassed only by the Divine.
and the Lord spelled her name MOTHER.
We are family. I got all my sisters with me. Clara was positioned as Queen Bee in, what has to be, the baddest collection of grand divas to ever walk the planet! Mattie Gray (predeceased), Helen Garner, Delois Myles, Peggy Thompson, Zelva Pope (predeceased), Barbara Davis (Walter), Shirley Toatley (predeceased), Lillie Middleton, and Bobbie Williams. Anchoring the rear of this feminine lineage is the wonderful surprise of a late baby brother, Elliot Toatley, Jr. (Edna). Clara lit up with a smile at the mere mention of Juniors name. Confidant, counselor, peace maker, friendall the good things wrapped up into one very remarkable lady. There were moments of tit for tat and spiffs-n-spats numerous times of teaching and the occasional not speaking. ? All in all, the ups vastly outweigh the downs. This stellar set of siblings continue to produce side splitnholler til it hurts laughter that will echo throughout the generations. She cared for each one tenderly. She loved each one dearly. She taught us all the simplest lesson of how to enjoy one another.
and the Lord spelled her name SISTER.
The overflow of Claras treasured legacy is undeniably that of her endeared grandchildren. She opened the treasury of her heart and poured its contents into their lives. Never bankrupt of healing affection. Never short of patient instruction. She championed them to greatergreater respect and greater humanity. Pete (Joy) was, to her delight, born on her 41st birthday, Jamie (Angela), Bugg of Gasoline & Matches, Lady, Booze Mouth of the South & the other of Gasoline & Matches, and always counted among their ranks, great niece, Kandi. Later additions would include two high-spirited great nephews, Kerrington and Ari. Who couldve asked for a more extraordinary Granny? A further extension of her grace is great grandchildren: Shamriel, Dominique, Kylan, Tevaun, Teondrae, and Jasmine. Her eyes conveyed the significance of yesterday. Her touch confirmed the certainty of today. Her voice carried the song of tomorrow.
and the Lord spelled her name GRANDMOTHER.
Never before have there been siblings so committed to loving and mentoring each ones offspring as though they were their own. She held a warm and inviting love for each niece and nephew, and developed personal, one of a kind relationships. Their greatest advocate in times of right. A cut-no-corners check in times of wrong. An expert at knowing when to nurture or jack them up, she counseled with an insightful quick-wittedness or a straight forward, Get off the stool! She nursed their development, engineered their rebuilding, and intellectualized their values. She was no joke!
and the Lord spelled her name AUNT.
Thank you for being a friend. Traveled down the road and back again. Your heart is true. Youre a pal and a confidant. And if you threw a party; invited everyone you knew. You would see the biggest would be from me. And the card attached would say: Thank you for being a friend. -Golden Girls Theme
A heart that knew no stranger. A generosity that knew no bounds. Minnie: she could not have asked for, nor would she have ever dreamed, of your unfailing devotion, meticulous care, and sweet compassion. Youre a daughter-in-law for the record books! With Phyllis Andrews and Sharry Hammond & Family, she developed a seamless bond between friendship and what simply feels like family. Buster and June Gordon, Marlies Mitchell, and Eric Gordon: she was blessed a million times over to have neighbors and friends such as yourselves.
and the Lord spelled her name FRIEND.
Before the dawn of November 26, 2011, the Great Artist of land, sea, and sky carefully considered what Hed accomplished through the life of Clara Jackson.
and the Lord spelled her name PHENOMENAL!
LIVE WEBCAST INFORMATION
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Funeral Service will start at 11:00am on Friday,December 3, 2011.
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