Delores E. Jackson, age 98, of Wickliffe, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, and is now home with her Lord and Savior after a long and remarkable life filled with strength, grace, and love. Born on May 4, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Emanuel and Ruth Jackson, and affectionately known as “Lois” byContinue Reading
Delores E. Jackson, age 98, of Wickliffe, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, and is now home with her Lord and Savior after a long and remarkable life filled with strength, grace, and love.
Born on May 4, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Emanuel and Ruth Jackson, and affectionately known as “Lois” by all, and cherished for her kindness, generous spirit, and the feisty spark that made her unforgettable. Lois was also classy and fashionable, carrying herself with a timeless elegance that reflected her pride, dignity, and the grace she brought into every room.
She leaves behind her beloved sons, Michael L. Artis and Brett M. Artis; her loving daughter, Georgene E. Artis-Crosby; many grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, great‑great‑grandchildren; several cherished nieces; great‑nieces and great‑nephews; and a large extended family who loved her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Emanuel and Ruth Jackson; siblings, Emanuel Jackson and Bernice M. Tolliver; granddaughter, Thea Ferrell; son, Frederick E. Smith; grandson, Michael L. Artis, Jr.; and several nieces and nephews.
Lois dedicated more than 30 years of service to MetroHealth Hospital in Cleveland as a nurse’s aide, where she lovingly cared for newborn infants. Her compassion and patience touched countless families at the very beginning of life.
As the beloved matriarch of her family, Lois’ strength, wisdom, and unconditional love shaped generations. She was a disciplined mother who commanded respect and instilled in her children the values of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance. Resilient in tough times, she met every challenge with grace, determination, and unwavering faith.
She expressed her love through acts of service—sewing her children’s clothes by hand, preparing meals that brought everyone together, and offering thoughtful gestures that made her family feel cared for. She was the school bake sale champion—her treats were so irresistible that teachers would quietly set them aside for themselves before the tables even opened. Her cooking brought comfort, connection, and joy to everyone she loved.
Lois also had a deep appreciation for jazz music. Sunday afternoons often found her listening to her favorite jazz tunes, filling her home with a rhythm that matched her spirit. Her home was always a place of laughter, comfort, and the aroma of something delicious in the oven.
In her younger years, Lois enjoyed attending live entertainment at the historic Leo’s Casino in Cleveland, creating memories that brought joy and excitement to her early life.
Over the course of her extraordinary 98 years, Lois witnessed nearly a century of American history and outlived 10 U.S. presidents, a testament to the remarkable span of her life.
Lois’s life was witness to resilience, wisdom, and the power of family. Her disciplined spirit, unwavering love, and sense of style will be deeply missed. As the matriarch of her family, she will be forever remembered for her incredible life, her cooking, her strength, her elegance, and the light she brought to all who knew.
May your spirit find eternal peace, Mom. Your legacy will live on through us.