Vena G. Jackson

Vena G. Jackson affectionately known as "Mother" entered her earthly walk on March 23, 1933. She was 1 of 6 children born to Fountain & Sophie Bell in Pitt County, N.C., her siblings Pete, Fountain-Earl, Melton, Armest, and Marjorie all preceded her in death. After 86 blessed years she transitioned to her heavenly home on April 2. 2019, surrounded by family and friends & her faithful pal "Hewie" the Shiatzu. Vena was educated in the Pitt County educational system and went on to further her education studying and completing her Bachelor's degree in nursing at Duke University in Durham, NC in the year of 1954. During that time, she gave birth to one daughter Sandra Bell Johnson, and a son Willie Ray Bell Jr. who both preceded her in death. After she relocated to Baltimore, MD, in 1957, Vena began working at The Johns Hopkins Hospital as an OR Nurse. During the course of her 40-year tenure, she had the privilege of teaching in the Nelson 2 operating room and taught some of the residence who have gone on to be world-class surgeons. Vena maintained her role at Hopkins until her retirement in 1985. While in Baltimore, Vena met and married the love of her life, Hilliard Jackson Sr., and from that union three sons were born. Hilliard Jackson Jr., Xavier T. Jackson Sr. who both preceded her in death and Kelvin A. Jackson Sr. Vena began attending and was baptized at The Mr. Calvary Free Will Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Henry Wilson, and remained faithful to that ministry under the leadership of Bishop Robert E. Farrow until her death. While there, Vena served faithfully on the Senior Choir #2. The Farrow Gospel Singers, The Sanctuary Choir, The culinary ministry, and missionary board, and served as the president of both the Pastors Aid Committee and the Nurses board. She was later given accolades and acknowledged as an honorary Mother of the Church after her lengthy and faithful tenure. Vena loved to sing. Her singing journey had taken her outside of her church bringing her to sing for many. One of her other joys in life was being a member of The Unified Voices of Johns Hopkins from their debut concert in 1993. Along with her joy for singing, she was known for her southern style of cooking. During family gatherings, it was almost expected that either she or "Sand" would start the family choir by leading them in song. She was known for often singing "Give me my flowers," and "will you still love me tomorrow." Vena leaves to Cherish in her memory, one surviving child Kelvin A. Jackson Sr.; 1 daughter-in-love Davia Jackson; 1 God-daughter Jean Sample; Three daughters of whom she raised as he own, Denise Greecy, Janise West, and Brenda Hardy; 12 grandchildren; Ericka, Erin, Tony, Tyrika, Symone, Kyra, Kelvin Jr., Devin, Ashley, Andrew, Octavia, and Xavier Jr.; 22 Nieces & Nephews; 15 Great Grand Children; a deep love for her great-grandson Taj E.B. Whitley; close friends Ms. Josie, Ms. Poly, Ms. Amy, Ms. Fran, Ms. Annie Gardner and Ms. Delois Backmon; and a host of other relatives, extended family and friends.

Tributes

Vena G. Jackson

March 23, 1933 - April 2, 2019