Betty Dean Holland Jackson

Mrs. Jackson grew up in the Hart County community of Bowersville, daughter of the late Ferd Truman Holland and Ethel Dean Holland. She graduated from North Georgia College, where she met her husband, the late Jesse Andrew Jackson, and taught first grade prior to their marriage in 1947. She left college during World War II to contribute to the war effort by working at the Lockheed defense plant in Marietta.

With her husband, she lovingly raised her children in the tiny Hancock County community of Mayfield, near Sparta, and dedicated herself to supporting their school, church and athletic events. She later gave the same enthusiastic support to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A lifelong reader, she served on the Uncle Remus Regional Library Board, headquartered in Madison, and worked to expand bookmobile services to rural children. She was a gifted cook and loved to prepare delicious meals for her family and guests. She won several cooking competitions, including the title of Georgia’s “Cooking Queen” in 1958. She excelled in all the domestic arts and believed strongly that “making a home” was a noble calling.

The family moved to Warrenton in 1966 and she continued to be active in church, school and community events.

Following the death of her husband, Mrs. Jackson moved to LaGrange in 1983 to be near her daughter and her daughter’s family. She quickly became involved in community life, volunteering at the LaGrange/Troup Chamber of Commerce and with West Georgia Hospice and serving as a mediator in the court system and as a tour guide at the Sibley Center of Callaway Gardens.

A faithful Christian, she served in Methodist churches in each community where she lived. At LaGrange First United Methodist Church she was active in United Methodist Women, the Andrew Team ministry and the Adult Fellowship Sunday School class. She helped reorganize the former Golden Age Club as the Thursday Luncheon Club and served as the group’s first president.

Mrs. Jackson is survived by her three children and their spouses: Andrea and Bill Lovejoy of LaGrange, Ken and Sheryl Jackson of Augusta and Bob and Debbie Jackson of Gainesville; a brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Peggy Holland of Chapin, S.C. ; eight grandchildren and their spouses: Lisa Jackson Waugh of Woodstock; Liza and Andy Fritchley, Kyle and Maryanne Lovejoy of LaGrange; Brent and Jessica Jackson of Warrenton; Kennon and Chris Rushing of Dearing, Jennifer and Kyle Whitley of Athens, Robert Jackson and Taylor Jackson of Gainesville; 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by a brother, Max Holland.

A memorial service will be held Friday at 11:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Harold Lawrence and the Rev. Helen Henry officiating. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall a half hour prior to the service.

It is the request of the family that flowers be omitted. Those desiring may contribute to the memorial fund of LaGrange First United Methodist Church or to the Florence Hand Home Charitable Fund in memory of Mrs. Jackson.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636