Betty Jean (Ward) Jackson

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many
mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a
place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

~ John 14: 1-3

On Friday, January 22, 2022, God called Betty Ward Jackson home and she answered his call
to come to Glory with the resounding words, “well done my good and faithful servant.”
Betty was born on June 27, 1935 in Longview, Texas to parents Daisy and Noah Ward, Sr.
She was educated in the Longview Public Schools. Growing up in the admonition of the Lord,
she was a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great
grandmother, sister and known to several as “Aunt Betty.”

Betty accepted the Lord at an early age at Parkview Missionary Baptist Church.  With unswerving dedication, she served on several ministries.  Her calling and commitment led to positions as Youth Director, Senior President of the Usher Board, Director of the Junior Usher Board and a member of the Willing Workers Circle Women Ministry.  She was an invaluable and avid fund raiser at the church.

Betty never knew a stranger and before the end of her conversation, “she had made a friend”.
She loved serving people and embraced them with a generous heart. Her volunteer work
reached domestic and global missions. She had a selfless passion for meeting the needs of
people in the community. She fed and provided clothing for countless people over the years.
Her home was known as a “safe haven” for many as they were met with love. She was not only
a hearer of the word but a doer of the word and blessed by God.

Betty traveled internationally, being a light and joy, touching the hearts of everyone she
encountered on her journey. Being full of enthusiasm and adventure, she visited military homes
in Europe and Asia and sent numerous care packages overseas sealed with love. She had an
infectious laugh and was a true “social butterfly.” Being confident of this very thing, that he
which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. ~ Philippians
1:6

Betty worked numerous years in the manufacturing and chemical industry in east Texas and
Maryland. After retirement, she spent over 20 years on the Volunteer Auxiliary at Longview
Regional Medical Center. She provided support to the hospital staff while extending hospitality
to patients, family members and visitors. The Volunteer Auxiliary provided scholarships and
support to non-profit community organizations. When asked why she was working for free, she
would reply, “Honey, some things you can’t put a price on when it comes to helping people, I
know where my reward comes from.”

Betty’s earlier years were spent working by the side of her late husband, civil rights leader,
Bennie Jackson, Jr. She was a political activist at home in the community and Washington, DC.
bringing about political and social changes. She was an advocate for voters rights and ensuring
maximum participation at the election polls in Longview.

Betty left a legacy of love. She loved and cherished every moment spent with family and
friends. She leaves her most loving and cherished memories in the hearts of her brother,
Charles Ward (Stephanie); son, Donald Jackson; daughters, Frances Jackson James (Danny),
Margaret Jackson Walker; and stepdaughter, Barbara Young (Riley). She is also survived by
her grandchildren, Donald Jackson, Jr. (Yolanda), Tiffany Jackson Tucker, Danny Kell James, II (Erin), Terasa Young; great-grandchildren, Brittany Love, Traylon Jackson (Celina), Jazmine Jackson,Donald Jackson, III (Aliyah), Destiny Jackson, Jaidyn James, Dylan James, Eden James, Lady Mabine and a host of great-great grandchildren, extended family members and special friends.

Betty was proceeded in death by her parents, Daisy and Noah Ward Sr.; her husband, Bennie
Jackson, Jr.; siblings, Noah Ward, Jr., James Ward, Mary Booth, Dorothy Cotton; son, Calvin
Jackson, grandchildren, Sheneaqual Jackson and James Walker, Jr.

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