Remembering Barbara Jackson
Barbara Carol Little was born to Benjamin Franklin and Vera Mae Little on February 20, 1931 in Memphis, TN. She attended Manassas School, founded in 1899 by her great grandfather, formerly enslaved, Spencer Thomas Johnson.
At the age of 15, Barbara moved with her parents to Grand Rapids, MI. She graduated from Ottawa Hills High School, attended Fisk University in Nashville, TN, and received a Bachelor's of Arts from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI.
Barbara was among the first African American teachers in the city of Grand Rapids. She taught kindergarten, first and second grades during her career at Franklin, Henry and East Leonard Elementary schools.
She married Allen Jackson, the love of her life, on June 15, 1957. To this union, two children were born, Allen Jr. and Sherri Jo.
In her 30 plus years as an educator and as a lifelong member of First Community AME Church, Barbara inspired and influenced thousands of children in the Grand Rapids community with a loving and kind spirit.
Known as "Bobbie" to close relatives and family friends, she had a soft-spoken demeanor, loved everyone whole heartedly and always had kind and encouraging words to share, which were spoken with a warm smile. She was smart, witty, genuine, and honest.
On September 2, 2020 Barbara peacefully transitioned to be with her Lord. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Allen Jr.
Barbara left to cherish her memory her loving husband of 64 years, Allen Sr. and her daughter Sherri Jo both of Grand Rapids, MI, her grandchildren Paris, Paige and Joseph Blessman of Detroit, MI and Zachary Blessman and Allen "Buddy" Jackson of Grand Rapids, MI , special cousins Elaine Campbell of Memphis, TN, Marga- ret Morrison of Silver Spring, MD, Esther Jean Milan of Chicago, IL and a host of cousins and friends.
Her memorial services were held in September.
Tagged in: