Life Reflections

Mildred Shannon Jackson was born on January 22, 1942 in Augusta, Woodruff County, Arkansas. She was the sixth of seven children, the family moved to the St Louis, Missouri area in 1944. She was preceded in death by her mother- Lula Mae Reeves Shannon, her loving father Jossko Shannon; two sisters Louise Shannon Thomas and Juanita Shannon Lawary; four brothers, Charles, Eddie A, Willie B. and her oldest brother Claude. Juanita her oldest sister took care of the kids after the death of their mother. She was 3 years old. Milderd was continually reminded that her mother wanted all the kids to obtain an education.

To complete her late Mother’s education mandate, Mildred moved to Cleveland, Ohio to live with her mother’s brother Salomon (Sol), Uncle (Son), and Aunt Rosie, and Her Cousin Dora Reeves. Mildred graduated from East Technical High School.

Now, the greater joys of her life were the marriage to Billie Jackson and the birth of her pride and joy, her devoted son Andrei Leon Jackson, who made her sooooo proud, (that’s not an error) there were many accomplishments that she was blessed to see him obtain his Marines’ military experience (following her oldest brother “Brigade General”). He retired from the State of Ohio Correction System, uniting in marriage to Madeline Johnson and her two (2) sons Jonathan and Raymond.

Mildred was also highly favorited by God to give her mother (-in-law) – Granny, Bennie Mae Jackson who walked along with Jesus, Millie, and Andrei for 101 years, they LIVED together for over 45 years. They both enjoyed church, bowling and traveling with Andrei. Sports were a huge part of their lives watching faithfully the Cleveland Browns, Cavalier, and the Indian’s.

Millie as her friend’s called was a “Bowling Machine,” with that left hand, she had a lifetime average (of 175). Retiring from Cleveland Clinic, she loved working. She was also busy at HER Church; she was able to attend faithfully until Granny health started felling her. She loved our weekly talks (which you could not call) during worship time, Lord please do not bother her when the services were on television/radio.

Millie was a member of the” Daughters of Debroah” – Missionary Department at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church under leadership of Dr. Jawanza J. Colvin, Pastor. She loved her Church and her church family.

She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends especially her neighbor Marilyn, Millie would share with her “what they called Country Food from her hometown – East St Louis, IL – fresh Greens (tender, turnip, mustard, spinach), butter beans, crowder peas, and the famous Black Diamond watermelons and homemade German Chocolate Cake.

To all of Aunt Mildred family and friends of Cleveland, Ohio, we the Nieces and Nephews of Mildred Shannon Jackson want to thank you for loving and being there for her and Andrei ….