Johnnie Bell Jackson

Johnnie was born in Guerryton, Alabama, a small city south of Birmingham, on May 16, 1932, to Daniel Walker and Amanda Harvey. Having lost both parents at an early age, Johnnie was raised by her beloved grandmother Fannie Bell Harvey. She met Gilbert L. Jackson in 1946 and they were married August 13, 1947, in Jefferson County Alabama and ultimately welcomed four children.

Johnnie and Gilbert relocated to Indianapolis in the early 1950’s where they immediately became members of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. As a long time dedicated church member, Johnnie served on the Usher Board for decades and was involved in many of the church's activities and programs. She received recognition for participation in the church’s 50-day Spiritual Adventure; Certificate of Completion for the Simmons Bible College Continuing Education for Clergy and Laity and a Certificate of Merit for completion of the Sunday Church School Program Year.

Johnnie graduated from Lawrence Central High School in 1954, an achievement she relished while raising her first 3 young children. She received her Nurse’s Aide Certification from the State of Indiana in July 1994. Johnnie began working for Methodist Hospital in 1956 where she worked for over 40 years where she accomplished much and subsequently much recognition. Johnnie was most proud of her work as a dietary supervisor and the patients she cared for in what was then Methodist’s Krannert Tower – which provided care for some of Indianapolis’ most elite. She loved taking care and providing exception nutrition to all her patients, including meeting and caring for Indy Race car drivers and elected officials and their families.

She successfully completed the food service supervisor’s course in 1964; earned a Certificate of Merit for Supervisor Skills in 1980; received four consecutive awards for exceptional service in Methodists’ Patient Personalization and Employee Commendation Program; received a Purdue University certificate for Completion in their Institutional Food Service Supervisors Program in 1981. She completed the David Joseph Associates Cooks Training Course in 1981 and a Letter of Commendation for patient care in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. Johnnie proudly accepted her Perfect Attendance Award from Methodist in 1991. In 1994 she received her Nurse Aide Certification from the State of Indiana.

Johnnie most enjoyed family gatherings where her meals were the center of attention and noted for their spectacular flavor. In addition, travel was cherished by Johnnie with a list that includes Alaska, several islands in the Caribbean, Europe and more.

Johnnie is preceded in death by her husband Gilbert and brother Edgar Crawford.

Johnnie is survived by: son Warren, daughters Hiawatha M. King (Warren), Patzetta Trice, and Terri Hunt; grandchildren: Warren Jackson Jr., Brandon Jackson, Justin King, Erika Davis and Deja Hunt Strickland (Tyrell); Great grandchildren Isiah Jackson, Zuri Jackson, Isaac Jackson, Jeremy Sims, Janvier Sims and Aminah Strickland

Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. and 12 Noon for the Memorial Service on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association in Tribute to Johnnie at http:/act.alz.org/goto/Johnnie_Jackson

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crownhill.org for the Jackson family.