Mary Elizabeth Jackson

Mary Elizabeth Jackson was the oldest of twelve children born to the late Oliver and Berneatha McRavin of Darlington, South Carolina on September 16, 1927. After a lengthy illness she quietly slipped her hand into God’s hand and went home to rest on July 21, 2012. Mary was educated in Darlington, South Carolina School System. She was raised in a Christian home and confessed her belief in the Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ at an early age, baptized and became a member of Providence Baptist Church. In 1946, Mary met and married her soul mate, Charlie Jackson, Sr. who preceded her in death; they were married for fifty-four years. Out of their union they had five children. Their oldest daughter, Dorothy and youngest son, Randolph preceded her in death. In 1957 the family migrated to Baltimore, Maryland and became active members of the New Mount Hebron Baptist Church until their health failed. Mary took a job at Maryland General Hospital and retired in 1993 after thirty-four years of service to take care of her ailing husband. Mary was a dedicated and faithful employee. She never missed a day’s work (even when she was sick) and was always on time. She was applauded by the hospital staff for her professionalism and her ability to motivate employees. She was always impeccably dressed and complimented on the way she carried herself. Mary loved everyone and opened her heart and home to them. She loved to cook for anyone who enjoyed eating, often cooking for people she did not know. She was known for her cakes and pies and people would want to pay for her to make them, but she would never take the money. Mary also had a “real” green thumb and could make a flower grow when no one else could. She loved to garden and shared her flowers and vegetables with neighbors, co-workers, friends or anyone who asked for them. Mary’s greatest job was talking about how good God is and sharing His love and His good news with anyone who would listen. One of her favorite sayings to her children was, “Give the man bread that gives you stones,” even though we did not always get it. Her children were the most important thing in her life; she always sacrificed doing for herself to help one of them. She gave her children the best life could offer them: God, love, integrity and values. Mary’s brother, Arthur McRavin and grandson, Robert Jackson preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn: three children, Margaret, Patricia, and Charlie; Stepson, Isaiah Jackson (Vy); six grandchildren, Eugene, Anthony, Stephanie, Steven, Dion and Keyuna; six great-grandchildren, Antwaun, Titanna, Tyrek, Kimora, Clarrissa and Charylessa; five great-great-grandchildren; six sisters, Bernice Alford, (James), Annie Mae Exum, Dora Wade, Blanche and Mattie Becoate and Ethel Reeves; two brothers, Oliver and Thomas McRavin (Ruby); sister-in-law, Josephine McRavin; daughter-in-law, Betty Jackson; special niece, Mattie Williams; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Mary Elizabeth Jackson

September 16, 1927 - July 21, 2012