Virginia Laird Conrad Jackson

The daughter of the late Dr. Charles F. Conrad and Annie Gilliam Conrad, Mrs. Jackson was born June 19, 1919 in Harrisonburg. She attended Gunston Hall and Randolph-Macon Women’s College, and received a B.A. Degree from Madison College. A lifetime member of Asbury United Methodist Church, Mrs. Jackson assisted with the flowers, altar preparations, and Circle 7. She was an avid gardener, serving as a member of the Spotswood Garden Club and opening her house and garden for Virginia Garden Week. She carried out many charitable community activities, including Meals on Wheels, “Pink Lady” at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, and church groups. She was known as a Southern woman full of grace, charm, optimism, and generosity.

Mrs. Jackson was predeceased by her husband, Harrisonburg attorney, Richard A. Jackson, her son Richard Conrad Jackson, her daughter, Anne Jackson McAllister, her grandson Robert Conrad McAllister, and her brother Gilliam Conrad. She is survived by her daughter Jeanne Laird Jackson and her sons-in-law, V. Markham Lester of Birmingham, AL and J. Robert McAllister of Arlington; her grandsons, Andrew Kenly McAllister of Arlington, VA; Edward Andrew Lester of Boston, MA; and James Conrad Lester of Birmingham, AL; granddaughters-in-law, Katie McCormick McAllister and Susan Hammack McAllister, great- grandson, Thomas Conrad McAllister, her nephew, James Gilliam Conrad, Jr. , and lifelong friend Carmelita Bundy. The family appreciates the loving care of Janet Biller and Cris Reid, and the nurses at Sunnyside Presbyterian Retirement Community.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 14, 2011 in Woodbine Cemetery with the Rev. Kathleen Overby Webser and Rev. Paul O’Gorek officiating. The casket will be closed.

The family requests that memorials be sent to the altar flower fund at Asbury United Methodist Church, 205 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

Online condolences may be sent to the Jackson family at www.lindseyharrisonburg.com