Mary Lena Jackson

Mary Lena Jackson was born April 13, 1942 in Columbus, Georgia to Charlie Mae Harmon. She attended the public schools in Columbus, Georgia and last attended Spencer Junior High before relocating with her family to Eatonville, Florida as a teenager. Upon settling in Eatonville, she continued and completed her education at Robert Hungerford School in Eatonville, Florida. Mary took a career path in horticulture, and was employed at Knox Nursery for many years until her retirement. She lived a great life with her life-long companion of over fifty years, the late John Hazel Caldwell. In her early adult years, Mary became a member of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late, Reverend Enoch Rivers. She later joined Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Elder Charles C. Butler. Mary found her calling in raising children. She was instrumental in raising generations of children and did it with so much love and genuine care. There was no doubt, she loved all of her “chullin” as she would say, but everyone knew that she was “Lakeside crazy” about her Malaki and Toot. (Smile) She will be missed for the many little things she did fondly such as, calling for her chicken box (and she could eat some chicken), and having her grands to take out her church clothes on Saturday nights. Mary was preceded in death by her Mother, Charlie Mae Harmon; Brother, Otis Williams; and Sisters: Emma Jean Pringle and Mary Emma Williams. Left to cherish her memory her Son, Otis Williams of Avon Park, Florida; Daughter, Carol White of Eatonville, Florida; Brother, Marion Harmon of Eatonville, Florida; Sisters: Betty Holden (Henry) of Eatonville, Florida and Eunice Berry of Orlando, Florida; 5 Grandchildren: Britney Cobb, Timmy Cobb Jr., Antoine Atkins, Desmond Williams, and Yafeit Davis; 9 Great Grandchildren: Torrence Pitts, Antonio Price, Keyon Davis, Markice Pritchett, Keyonna Davis, Damarion Williams, Kavon Davis,Timmy Cobb III, and Malaki Cobb; and a Special Nieces: her “Sweet” Shannon Paladino, for always being there through the ins and outs, ups and downs, and for loving her unconditionally and keeping her spoiled, Darlene King, and Beatrice Ross. In addition to and a host of other nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.

Tributes

Mary Lena Jackson

April 13, 1942 - April 9, 2024