Senior Elder Josephine (Shelton) Jackson's earthly voyage began December 26, 1926, in Greenville Georgia.  She was the first daughter and second born, of 13, to the union of Jim Shelton and Mary (Reeves) Shelton. As if continuing her life's work of preparing for her heavenly journey, after a final bath while getting her hair done, she departed her remarkable 94 year journey on March 4, 2021.

She transitioned comfortably and peacefully at home in the loving care of her daughter Carolyn Parrot. A complete work.

On August 23, 1943, Josephine was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, Frank Jackson and in 1946 she relocated to Lincoln Heights, Ohio. From this blessed union came a great legacy of 11 children, over 40 grandchildren, 90 plus great-grandchildren, and 70 plus great-great-grandchildren.

Josephine was endearingly and affectionately known as Phine, Grandma Josie, Ms. Jackson, and of course Mama. She was an incomparable, strong, and dedicated mother. Her youngest son Steven Jackson credited that the greatest thing his mother had ever done for him showed him to his savior, Jesus Christ. Her mission for the Lord began under the leadership of the late Bishop Tumblin. "Senior Elder Josephine Jackson was truly a soldier in the army of the Lord. Because of her faithfulness to God and His church she was able to witness three progressions of the church from, Church of God of all Nations, True Holiness Church of God, and Higher Faith Ministries. Elder Jackson was a faithful minister. Her love for God, spiritual insight, consistency, and dedication made her a vital asset to the church. She was a tower of strength because she tapped into the main source the sustained her for many years. Mother Jackson was a very quiet and mild-mannered servant. She worked in almost every area of ministry from the pulpit to the door. Because of her loyalty and dedication, she served in leadership roles such as interim pastor, assistant pastor, and executive board member of the church, bringing wisdom to the table and exercising good common sense." After over a half of a century of wholehearted, devoted service her mission was completed under the leadership of the honorable Bishop Lucille Muldrow.  A job well done.

Outside of the church, Josephine was just as faithful, ardent, and devout. She served as a bus driver for the Princeton City school district for decades before retiring.  She enjoyed cooking, watching her stories, spending time with family, and serving the Most High God. She will be remembered in great measure for her southern hospitality, generosity, and for extending herself selflessly to and for her loved ones. She was never one to turn away her family and her embrace was a true embodiment and a perfect example of the unconditional love of God.  She opened her arms to those in need and her home stood as a city of refuge, a healing place, a safe haven, and a prayer battleground full of love and laughter.

Josephine Jackson was a woman of undying strength and wisdom. Her advice for so many of life's greatest questions was as simple as sweet as she was, "Keep Livin." On the year of what would have been their 75th wedding anniversary, after sixteen years, she is now reunited with her husband Frank Jackson and the loved ones who have preceded her call to Glory: two sons, Thomas and Calvin Jackson; one daughter, Jeanette Hankerson; seven brothers and sisters; and her best friend Pearl Jenkins.

She leaves to cherish her great memory: five loving daughters, Bernice (Arthur) Kirksey, Carolyn (Ronnie) Parrot, Regina (Aaron) Reynolds, Cynthia (Stanley) Smith, and Valerie (John) Green, all of Cincinnati, Ohio; three adoring sons, Willie C. Jackson, Charles (Kim Anita) Jackson, and Steven Jackson; five siblings; a blood legacy of over 200 strong and growing; and a host of family and friends. She was so much to so many and her love, smile, and prayers will continue to cover us for generations to come.

Visitation is from 10:00 am until 12 noon, on  Saturday, March 13, 2021, at the Higher Faith Ministries - Forest Park, 11331 Southland Blvd, Forest Park  (45240).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 12 noon. Everyone attending must wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, 11200 Princeton Pike, Springdale, Ohio 45246.

In keeping with the Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions masks are required in order to enter  the service and social distancing must be practiced.  Please be prepared to comply for the safety of all.

To share a memory of Josephine or leave a special message for the Jackson family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home is honored to serve the  Jackson family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.