Imogene Erma Jackson

Imogene “Erma” Jackson was born on July 16, 1955 in Lakeport, Arkansas to Oscar Evans and Bessie Smith-Evans. She is known to friends as Erma, family as ‘Jean” to her kids as ‘Ma’ to her grandkids as ‘Grandma’ and great grandkids as ‘GG’. At a young age her mother died so she was taken in by family in South bend, Indiana. From there she eventually made her way to Chicago, Illinois. She attended Rezin Orr Academy High School on the westside of Chicago. In 2014 she proudly obtained her GED from South Suburban College.

Erma’s early working years were spent as a store clerk at Mr. Rowery’s corner store. She then became a State Certified Nursing Assistant. And afterwards she went on to open her own home day care where she nurtured many children that view her as their own grandmother to this day.

On November 16, 1991 she married her husband Lester James Jackson. Erma and Lester worked hard together to provide for their family and were always willing to lend a helping hand to their neighbors. On February 25, 2017 Erma made a decision that would change her life forever. By means of a public declaration of her faith and by water baptism she dedicated her life to Jehovah God. She took pride in talking to friends, family members and neighbors about her love for Jehovah and the beautiful promises he has in store for mankind.

Since losing her mom at such a young age Erma made sure all of her kids and grandkids knew being close is always a priority. A way that she worked to bring her family together was through food. She would cook everything her husband and kids liked, from fried chicken to her homemade Mac and Cheese to sweet potato pies to her one of a kind potato salad and her famous cheese cake. She also loved working in her garden, growing tomatoes, green peppers and even watermelons.

Having good conversations with her kids brought her immense joy. She felt good communication was the key to being a close family no matter what situation arose. Erma made sure to extend all of her love to her large family.