Ouida Grace Jackson

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Connie L. and Eliza Ann McLain; her precious siblings Merible, Emma Lou, Newell, Wanda, Pat, her beloved husband, Mitchell Jackson; and her children, Mark Jackson, Natalie, Terry Hartley and James Merten.

Ouida is survived by her loving children, Connie and Kenneth Wilkinson, Tony and Dawn Jackson, and Michelle Merten; her cherished grandchildren, Shannon and Christopher Weaver and Kendall and Chris Pettis; and her adored great-grandchildren, Abigail and Peyton Weaver, who brought her immeasurable joy.

A gifted seamstress, Ouida quite literally clothed generations of West Mobile. Her hands created prom dresses, wedding dresses, bridesmaids’ dresses, baby bedding, dance team and cheerleader uniforms, and countless garments that marked life’s most meaningful moments. Her true passion, however, was the Mobile Azalea Trail Maid dress. For more than 40 years, Ouida poured her heart into crafting these beautiful dresses—never missing a deadline and never compromising on excellence. Ouida took pride in making over 200 dresses. She took the greatest pride when someone would spot her work in a crowd. You didn’t need a label to know—you just knew it was a Ouida dress.

After retiring from making Azalea Trail Maid dresses, Ouida discovered a new creative joy in quilting. Once again, her talent shined as she transformed fabric into meaningful pieces, each quilt lovingly made for her family.

Her children were the apples of her eye, and her love for her family was evident in everything she did. Her granddaughters and great-granddaughters held a special place in her heart. Abigail and Peyton, especially, brought her so much joy, and she delighted in watching them grow, laugh, and thrive.

Ouida’s life was one of quiet dedication, incredible talent, and deep love. She taught those around her the value of hard work, pride in craftsmanship, and showing up for the people you love—every time, without fail.

Though her hands are now at rest, the beauty she created and the love she gave will live on in the generations she shaped and the memories she leaves behind. Her legacy is woven into her family, her community, and every stitch she so lovingly placed.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Pallbearers Tony Jackson, Kenneth Wilkinson, Christopher Weaver, Chris Pettis, Paul Sanders, David Earl Collins, and Ronald Joseph Morris.

Visitation for Ouida will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Pine Crest Funeral Home on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile, with a chapel service immediately following. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery.