Colenia Jackson

Colenia Jackson, age 97, was called home by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, November 23, 2018. She was born on April 15, 1921 in Winder, Georgia to the late Rosa Johnson and Carl Lyle. At the age of three, Colenia moved with her family to Cincinnati, Ohio.

She was educated in the Hamilton County School System and received a high school diploma from Woodward High School in 1939. Later on she attended the University of Cincinnati, where she pursued classes toward an Associate's Degree in Education. She was employed at the Board of Education and worked at Douglas Elementary School for over 20 years as a Dental Assistant, until she retired in 1978.

Colenia was the middle of three children; two preceded her in death: Drew Mooney and Eugene Lyle. She married the late William Lee Jackson and this union was blessed with three sons and two daughters.

At an early age, she confessed her belief in Jesus Christ and was a member of Liberty Methodist and Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. Throughout Colenia's life, she maintained a sweet and kind demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant love and faith. Colenia's gift of joy was shown through her contagious laughter and smile, which will never be forgotten. Her keen sense of humor was evidenced by her signature sayings such as: "Shake it, but don't break it," "Don't Play Me Cheap," "That's a shame before the Lord." With a zest for life, Colenia loved to play scrabble, attend church activities and travel... just to name a few. She was devoted to her family and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. "To know her was to love her."

Her Family paid this tribute to her, "Our mother lived life fully and unapologetically. She was deeply involved in church and had the most magnificent laughter. She never let anything dampen her spirit or her smile. Mom had it right! She had the blue print for a joyful, caring and loving life."

Colenia's beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children: Jerry Ayers of Yonkers, NY, William "Joe" (Terrill) Jackson of Phoenix, AZ, Michael (Jill) Jackson of Cincinnati, OH, Mary (Doug) Jones and Barbara (Steve) Jerry, both of Atlanta, GA; 10 grandchild­ren, 20 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Colenia Jackson, please visit our floral store.