Mrs. Audrey Mae Jackson

I have fought a good fight, I finished my course, I have kept the faith, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness ... " II Timothy 4:7 On Thursday, August 14, 2014 in Meridian, Mississippi our dearly beloved was called home to be with the Lord. Audrey Mae Jackson, affectionately known as "Ma'dea," was born on March 10, 1922 to Joe Oliver and Everlina Pringle in Russell, Mississippi. She was the fifth of eight children, all who preceded her in death. Audrey Mae was raised in Russell, Mississippi where she confessed Christ at a very early age. She united with Saint Paul Missionary Baptist where she developed a strong foundation of faith in God which she carried with her throughout her life. Later, Audrey Mae married and relocated to Meridian, Mississippi where she resided until her departure to be with the Lord. She then united with First Union Missionary Baptist Church (Meridian, MS) under the leadership of the late Reverend Richard Porter. She maintained a keen commitment and was faithful to the call which God placed on her life. She daily held onto one of her many favorite scriptures "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Philippians 4: 13. She served as a Sunday School Teacher, President of the Usher Board and a devoted choir member. Mother Jackson earnestly displayed her love for God; she availed herself to aid in every capacity of the church often igniting the Sunday morning worship as a devotion leader. Audrey knew how to work and her passion for helping others was also shown in the workplace. She worked at Riley Hospital in the housekeeping department and others often recognized her as a giving compassionate woman, as she generously shared her delicious peach cobbler with those around her. She later transferred to the Internal Medicine Clinic where she worked as a .nurse's aid and retired after many years of dedicated service. Audrey was faithful in all of her work. She was a pillar of the community; a friend to the friendless, a mother to those in need and a spiritual leader in her words and deeds. Audrey's life exemplified that of the Proverbs 31 "Virtuous Woman" and her children indeed "arise and call her blessed." She was a devoted wife and a God-fearing mother of eight children. Norman Jr. and Bobby Leroy Hodges preceded her in death but left to enjoy and cling to the great memories of her life on earth are her three loving daughters; Erma Jean Turner, Sarah Hodges and Sandra Clark of Los Angeles, CA and her three loving sons; Ronnie (Arlington, TX) David (Meridian, MS) and Kenneth Jackson (Atlanta, GA). She also leaves to cherish two daughters-in-law, Gwen (Arlington, TX) and Debra Jackson (Meridian, MS), twenty-four grandchildren, forty-one great-grandchildren, thirty-two great-great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Audrey Mae Jackson

March 10, 1922 - August 14, 2014