Dearest Hall Jackson

to the late Ola Mae Foster and Willard Hall Sr. in Grand Cane, Louisiana. She received her early

education at Old Zion Hill School, where her formative years were nurtured by the values of family,

faith, and community.

In June of 1966, Dearest’s life was forever enriched when she met and married the love of her life,

Elmer Lee Jackson. Their sacred union was blessed with a beautiful daughter, Tarsha Jackson. With

a heart full of love, Dearest also embraced the joy of motherhood when she took Michael Lane under

her care at the age of two, raising him as her beloved son with the same tenderness and devotion.

A woman of elegance and grace, Dearest found joy in life’s simple and refined pleasures, cherishing

her family and friends, beautiful clothing, and luxurious colognes—but above all, she treasured her

relationship with God. At the age of seven, she accepted salvation and was baptized, embarking on a

lifelong spiritual journey. Her early faith was cultivated at Old Zion Baptist Church in Grand Cane,

Louisiana. After relocating to Houston, she united with Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church under

the leadership of the late Reverend L. P. Pointer and Reverend Byrd Lacey, where she remained a

faithful servant for over 50 years. During her tenure, she founded the Praise Dance Ministry, presided

as Choir President for over two decades, and skillfully managed the sound and audio for the church’s

televised ministry. She also served as a matron for the (NCC) New Children of Christ Community

Choir, depositing spiritual guidance and leadership not only into the life of Tarsha but also into the

lives of other teens as well.

In 2012, Dearest united with St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church / Loving Word Fellowship Church

under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Paul D. Landrew, where her daughter also faithfully served

in ministry. Embracing the fellowship and spirit of the congregation, Dearest became a beloved

member of the LWF JOY Club and graciously served as the group’s exercise instructor, bringing joy

and vitality to all who attended. On January 4, 2025, in a sacred and profoundly meaningful moment,

Dearest reaffirmed her faith through the holy ordinance of baptism, a moment made even more

special as her daughter had the esteemed honor of assisting in the baptism.

Throughout her life, Dearest exemplified versatility, resilience, and grace across a variety of

professional roles. She was employed by a fiberglass manufacturing company, modeled in Hollywood,

and worked as a housekeeper in Bellaire, California. She also nurtured young hearts as a daycare

worker, served as a school crossing guard, and held a position with Hertz Rental Car in Houston.

Alongside her husband, she proudly co-owned and operated a restaurant and bar in Houston during

the early years of their marriage. On January 4, 2025, Dearest joyfully celebrated the fulfillment of a

vision dear to her heart—the launch of DD’s House of Love, a senior assisted living facility dedicated

to providing compassionate care and dignity during life’s most tender seasons.

She was truly a matriarch for her family and a demonstration of devotion and prayer. She was

dedicated to intercession to the extent that she started a family prayer call at 12:00 noon and invited

all generations to join her in seeking the Lord and learning of Him for themselves.

Dearest was preceded in death by her loving husband, Elmer Lee Jackson; her parents, Willard Hall

Sr. and Ola Mae Kelly; her devoted son, Michael Lane; her brother, Lostelle Lane; and her dear

sisters: Dorothy Gill, Veola Richardson, Lillie Mae James, Mary Ann Simmons, Jewel Morgan, and

Jessie Hall. She was also the beloved niece of the late Reverend Paul Foster of the legendary gospel

group, The Original Soul Stirrers.

Her legacy of love continues through her devoted daughter, Tarsha Jackson; her daughter-in-law,

Rhonda Lane; her sister, Ida Mae Harris (James); her brother, Willard “Main” Hall Jr.; and a host of

devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved church family—individuals who became extended

kin through bonds of enduring love, loyalty, and faith.