Dorothy Gerlene Jackson

On Tuesday morning, June 14, 2011, Dorothy Gerlene Jackson died quietly in her sleep at St. Elizabeth’s Rehabilitation Facility in Jonesboro, AR. Gerlene, as she was known, frequently burst into song at St. Elizabeth’s causing the staff and other patients to smile and sing along. Her favorite music was songs of the 40’s and 50’s and she became a great jitterbug dancer in her teens. She was 80 years old this past February 20th, having been born in 1931. Gerlene loved gardening and cooking. She could always be found in the yard tending her flowers or fruit, or in the kitchen preparing meals for her family. She shared a love for music with her parents, the former Leslie “Ted” Holland & Adeline “Addie” Holland. She was very proud to have been one of the members of the first graduating class of Greene County Tech High School in 1948, along with her deceased husband, Albert E. Jackson. She is survived by one brother, Herman Holland (wife, Patsy) of Maynard, her son Rick Jackson (wife Kathy) of Walcott, and her daughter, Deborah Jackson Fleischer (husband Richard) of Hillsborough, New Jersey. Grandmother Jackson, as she was called by her six grandchildren, was a fisherwoman, who would take advantage of any visit to go fishing. She especially loved fished in stocked ponds with her grandchildren and created wonderful memories sitting on the bank, fishing pole in hand, adding a worm to the hook of squeamish granddaughters. Her grandchildren include one deceased grandchild, Jeremiah Jackson, and five surviving grandchildren, Jennifer Fleischer, Joshua Jackson, Carrie Fleischer, Davis Fleischer, and Juli Jackson. She is also survived by one great grandchild, Jace Jackson. As a lifelong advocate of education, Gerlene became a public school teacher at Lakeside Elementary School in 1959. She retired in 1995, after having served as the Greene County Tech Junior High and Senior High School counselor beginning in 1967. She was a member of the New Haven Baptist Church, a frequent student of Bible Study classes in Jonesboro, and also loved being a Sunday school teacher. Gerlene was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Her love for her family and friends meant that her home was always open with food and fun. She loved hosting family occasions, providing a good meal, snacks, and games. Albert and Gerlene were a perfect couple and their family will always remember them with fond memories. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 at Heath Funeral Home. Her life will be celebrated Friday at 10:30 A.M. at Heath Colonial Chapel with Revs. Ron Pickney and Sam Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in Warren’s Chapel Cemetery.