Carmen Mae Jackson

She enjoyed a lifespan nearly a century long, though the last decade was marred by serious medical problems like congestive heart failure and steady physical deterioration which made even simple household chores exhausting.

At the tender age of 19, Carmen met Ernest Waters Jackson on a train. World War II was nearing its end, and the two travelers struck up a conversation which in time led to romance and then marriage on February 28, 1945. Out of their union of 63 years came four daughters: Jeannine, Janet, Rebecca, and Jody. Ernie preceded his bride in death on October 14, 2008.

Besides her family, Carmen had two great loves in her life: Jesus and art. Jesus became her Savior fully when she was a young adult. On her application for membership at Grace Bible Church, Carmen testified, “I had believed in Christ as a small child, but the Lord used the extreme illness of my daughter Janet, years later, to cause me to commit my life (as well as hers) totally to Him. Ever since, with His help and blessing, I have followed Him.”

Art was also a passion for Carmen. Marriage and family prevented her from attending fine-arts school, but her laundry room became her studio nevertheless as she used her imagination and talent to create magnificent paintings, many of which adorn the homes of her children and grandchildren today.

Carmen is survived by her four precious children and a veritable host of grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.

“The memory of the righteous will be a blessing” (Prov. 10:7).

A graveside service for Carmen will be held Monday, June 12, 2023 from 9:30 AM at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024.

Following the graveside a Celebration of Life will be held for Carmen on June 12, 2023, 2:00 PM at Grace Bible Church 19280 N 99th Ave. Sun City, AZ 85373 in the Fireside Room.

Please keep the family in your thoughts.

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