Claudette Jackson

“I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

Reverend Claudette Jackson, a native of Long Leaf, Louisiana and resident of Houston, Texas, departed this life on June 26, 2021, at Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands, TX. She was born June 10, 1949, to the union of the late Pastor Theodore Simon and Mrs. Catherine Jackson Simon. Claudette was baptized at an early age at Mt. Zion Baptist Church by Rev. R.T. Berry in Long Leaf, Louisiana.

Claudette graduated from Southwest Rapides High School in 1966. She later earned an Associate Degree in Secretarial Science from Grambling State University. Shortly thereafter, she married Hunter Kirklin Jr. To this union, three children were born, Shawn, Shamika and Sheena. Claudette was a former federal and state employee. Her last tenure was with Louisiana State University in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Claudette loved gospel music. She was the musician for First Baptist Church in Oberlin, Louisiana under the leadership of her father Pastor Theodore Simon for several years. She even formed a female quartet group that sang at local churches.

Claudette was later united in marriage to James Jackson for twenty-eight years. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and doting grandmother (Nana). She was a nurturing sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Reverend Jackson was an active member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church until her health failed. She served in various ministries in the church; more specifically, the Deaconess Board, the Women’s Ministry, and the Women’s Choir. Claudette was licensed as a Minister by the late Pastor S.V. Adolph Sr.

Reverend Claudette Jackson is survived by her husband James Jackson; one son, Shawn Kirklin (Houston); two daughters: Shamika Glover(Pastor George), and Sheena Kirklin (Houston); four grandchildren: Jalin Anthony, Kennedy Faith, Hannah LeeAnn, and Georgia Simone; one special grandson, Cameron Simpson; three stepdaughters: Stephanie Jackson, Selena Sampson, and Cleopatria Davis; four brothers: Pastor Charles R. Simon, Aubrey, Texas, Bishop A.D. Simon (Mary) Rosharon, Texas, Bishop Gerald Simon (JoAnn) Oberlin, LA, Theodore Simon Jr.(Precilla) Upper Marlboro, MD; three sisters, Elaine S. Simmons (Raymond) Baton Rouge, LA, Debra Palms, Kingwood, TX, and Lisa R. Armstead (Andre) Glenmora, LA; two Goddaughters: Latraina Coleman and Joy Gooden; two Godsons: Damion Simon and Adrian Hill and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

MY Life on Earth was VERY GOOD,

as Earthly life can go,

But Paradise is so much more, than anyone can know