Cleotha T Jackson

Cleotha “Cleo” T. Jackson

Mother Cleotha T. Jackson, “Cleo” passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 18th, 2023, under the care of Latesha Edwards, Kierra Ruffin and Vitas Team 190 surrounded by loving family at her bedside.

Born August 12, 1928 to the late Mary (Hamilton) Hills and Willis Hills, Cleo lived her young life in Odum, Georgia; graduating from Wayne County High in Jesup, Georgia. She went on to become the first woman of Laborers’ Local Union 517; regularly outpacing many of her male counterparts.

Cleo was the foundation of her family. Deeply invested in the lives of family and friends she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the glue that held everything together. Always there to offer comfort, a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear or words of encouragement, guidance, and support to all. She’d never met a stranger she was unwilling to help. Her home was a place of warmth and hospitality, where everyone was welcomed, and no one ever left without a full belly and a happy heart. She was a remarkable woman with a heart of gold.

Cleo was a woman who exemplified love, kindness, and wisdom. She was fearless and independent; yet sensitive, incredibly compassionate, generous, loyal, witty and fun. She was clever and full of knowledge gained through all her life experiences. She loved birds, gardening, making floral arrangements and cooking. Sweet potato pies, punch bowl cake, turkey wings and collard greens were some of her specialties everyone loved. She found comfort and peace with the Lord and loved her Pastor. She cared genuinely for the people around her. She made an impact on many lives. Her legacy of generosity and compassion will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched. She served as a shining example of what it means to give selflessly and unconditionally, and her acts of kindness will never be forgotten.

Cleo was preceded in death by her parents Willis and Mary Hills; husband Charlie H. Jackson, Sr.; sisters Mary Lee Patterson and Lucy Mae Smith. She is survived by her children, Ray Turner of Rochester, NY, Willie James Turner, Charles Jackson, Jr. (Patricia), Earnest Jackson, Juanita Jackson Scott (Vernon), Bobby Jackson, all of Orlando, FL; sisters, Maxine Hamilton of Ft. Pierce, FL, and Lillie Hills Spellman of Jesup, GA; 30 grands, 72 great-grands, 15 great-great-grands; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends.

Cleo will be remembered for her kindness, her benevolence, and her firm love. She was truly one of a kind, and we are all better people for having known her. She gave from the heart and truly loved everyone she connected with. When her time came to be with the Lord, her faith never wavered and she conducted herself with dignity, strength, and was full of grace. She will be missed dearly. Her legacy will live on in the memories we share and the values she instilled in us.

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