Jeanette Mae Jackson

Jeanette M. Jackson (Jean) was born in Buncombe, Co, NC on May 8, 1947, to the late Walter M. and Virginia M. Eller McGuire. Jean entered into eternal rest at the age of 77 on February 22, 2025. Jean loved the mountains of home in Western North Carolina. After attending high school in Weaverville, she joined the Air Force in 1973 where she completed her basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas. After basic training, she was stationed at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. She remained on active duty for six years working in their Urology Clinic as a Medical and Urology Surgical Specialist. When faced with the decision of re-enlisting and possibly having to start over in another state, she decided to continue her career in the military by going into the Air National Guard. Serving with the Air Guard, she would have to work two full weeks a year and one weekend every month but wouldn’t have to move her family and leave the new home built in Vancleave, MS. Jean always had a compassion for nursing and caring for others, so while serving in the Air Guard she used her free time and the GI bill to go to college and get her Registered Nursing license. She graduated from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College with her associate degree in 1984. She worked for a short time at Singing River Hospital but quickly realized that the hospital setting was not for her and decided to take a position at the Air Guard Base in Gulfport where she became the Noncommissioned officer in charge of the medical clinic. She was deployed during the Desert Storm/Shield (Gulf War) Era at MacDill AFB in Florida. Throughout her career she received many different honors and medals. Among them to name a few were the National Defense Service Medal; Air Force Good Conduct Medal with oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award. At some point during her career she moved to The Air Reserve and completed a total of 23 years in military service when she retired as a MSG (master sergeant). In addition to an extensive military career, she worked as an industrial nurse at Chevron and retired from International Paper Company in Moss Point, MS. Everywhere she worked and lived from the mountains to the sea, she made lifelong friends who meant a great deal to her. Jean adored her family. She had a very giving nature. She would give to anyone who was in need. She never met a stranger, and to know her was to love her. She had many hobbies and artistic talents. Some of her greatest joy came from making arts and crafts for others. She enjoyed making jewelry as well as other things in her spare time. If you wanted a shopping buddy, Jean was always ready. She is preceded in death by her husband, George Jackson, her parents, and one uncle, Paul T. (Ruby) Eller. She is survived by a brother, Michael T. (Brenda) McGuire. Children, Timothy M. Burchette; Alan N. (Julie) Young; Melissa M. (James) Johnson; Wesley P. Young; Dudley (Cheryl) Young. Grandchildren, Austin Burchette, Kaitlyn and Kathryn Young; Samantha (Chance) Adams; Colton (Michaela) King; Travis Johnson; Jackie Johnson; Lilith Young. Great grandchildren, Layken and Lane Adams; Kylie and Jayden Johnson; Justin and Troy Smith; Lilly Edwards; and many nieces and nephews. Extended family included children Jesse (Donna) Stallone; Danielle (Aaron) Holland; Dana (Greg) Stephens; Wayne Benbow; and Darrell (Brandi) Jackson. Grandchildren, Jamison (Hannah) Holland; Daniel (Ashley) Holland; Kirsten Holland; Emily Stephens; Logan Stallone; David Benbow; Kealy and Dillon Jackson. Great grandchildren, Hallie, Brody, and Evelyn Holland; Sisters Hilda Hickman, Gloria Jackson, and many nieces and nephews. Jean will be truly missed by family and friends alike. We rejoice in knowing she’s with her Heavenly Father and reunited with loved ones who have preceded her in death. Help us celebrate Jean’s life by joining us for her services at First Baptist Church 10170 Grand Bay Wilmer Rd on Friday, February 28, 2025. Family will be received from 12:30 - 1 p.m.; friends from 1 - 2 p.m.; and services at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Veteran's Wounded Warrior Project. To donate, please visit https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Tributes

Jeanette Mae Jackson

May 8, 1947 - February 22, 2025