TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF ERNESTINE JACKSON
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom and judgment has called Ernestine Jackson, an outstanding citizen and beloved friend, from this life to eternity on April 4, 2015; and
WHEREAS, This august body has been notified of the passing of Ernestine Jackson by the Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8th Ward and Chairman of the Committee on Committees, Rules and Ethics; and
WHEREAS, Born September 5, 1925, in Silvercreek, Mississippi, Ernestine was the loving daughter born to the union of Willie (Bill) and Mary Jane (Catholic) Washington. Ernestine, the youngest, along with her fifteen siblings brought an abundance of laughter and joy into the Jackson Family home; and
WHEREAS, At a young age Ernestine accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized at Lucas Church of Christ Holiness. She later joined The United Church of Altgeld Gardens, but reunited with The Church of Christ Holiness, USA (Christ Temple Cathedral) and became a Deaconess. After moving to Henderson, Nevada in 2010, she attended Remnant Ministries and worked with the Help's Ministry; and
WHEREAS, Ernestine Jackson, a stellar student, attended Spring Hill Elementary and Junior High School, Lanier High School, Prentiss Institute, Kennedy King College, Chicago Teachers College and Chicago State University, receiving a BA and Masters in Special Education. During her life's journey she became a Special Education teacher in the Chicago Public Schools from September 1976 until June 1993; she later retired from Jahn Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, Symbolic of the strength and solidity of family life, Ernestine and the love of her life, Harrison, were united in Holy Matrimony. Ernestine proudly told everyone how her husband "Jack" treated her like a queen, which began on their Wedding Day and concluded on her beloved husband's transition, December 24, 1995; and
WHEREAS, Ernestine, affectionately known as "Mom", "Grandma" and "G-G", was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and neighbor who enriched the lives of the young and the old. She will be deeply missed but the memory of her character, intelligence and compassion will live on in those who knew and loved her; and
WHEREAS, Her loving parents, Willie and Mary Jane Washington and her siblings, LJ, Cleveland (Jack), George, Amos, Martha, Mattie, Nicie, Shelva, Rosie Lee, Josephus and David Lee (her first playmate), preceded her in death. Ernestine Jackson leaves to celebrate her life and cherish a multitude of loving memories, Lorranine, Harrison and Roderick (Shirl Lynn); 4 grandchildren, Nichelle (David), Brian, Brent and BreAnn; 2 great grandchildren, David and Danielle; her god-daughter, Brittany; her siblings, Willie Mae, Booker T., Joshua (Ann) and Ruby Lee, and a host of beloved nieces, nephews and many friends; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this eighteenth day of May 2016 A.D., do hereby express our sorrow on the passing of Ernestine Jackson and extend to her family and friends our sincere condolences.
MICHELLE A. HARRIS Alderman - 8th Ward
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Ernestine Jackson.