Gloria D. Jackson

In 1954 her parents sought a better life in the Northwest and relocated to Portland, Oregon.

Gloria attended Boise, Eliott, and Sabin Elementary (K-8) Schools due to the annexation and development of the I-5 freeway and Emanuel Hospital. She attended Lincoln High School (LHS) from 1965-1969. While at LHS she became one of eight Black students to receive Girl of The Month Honors. She was a member of the LHS rally squad, and the first executive of the Black Student Union (BSU). Gloria and Sharon White formed LHS’s first Drill Team. They performed in the Rose Festival Parade with the LHS’s band. Gloria was given the opportunity to showcase her talents in several other arenas, she was a violinist and played Powder Puff Football her junior & senior years at LHS. She accomplished all of these achievements despite being a teen parent.

Gloria earned a Bachelor's Degree of Science (Education) from the University of Portland. She was an educator for the Portland Public School for thirty years. She was instrumental in developing a base line essay for African American students to excel in schools.

Gloria grew up in a strong Christian household. She loved the Lord and would always share her faith with others. As an adolescent member of Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church under Rev. O.B. Williams, she participated in the youth choir and young ladies auxiliary club.

As an adult she became a member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. Johnny Pack IV. She made sure her children had a relationship with the Lord and stressed the importance of prayer. She held bible study with her grandchildren and neighbors she encouraged them to read the word for themselves, so they did not fall for the “Okie doke.”

Resilient. Throughout her seventy-three years Gloria’s faith had been tested. Miraculously she stared down adversity and overcame each trial. These horrific tragedies with enduring consequences impacted her deeply; but her faith never wavered and allowed her to recover from a devastating house fire, divorce, death of a spouse, battles with diabetes and cancer. She embodied the phrase “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.”

Gloria aka “Mrs. Jackson” provided a supportive environment for her six children, to pursue their dreams and passions. Her home was a safe place for gatherings, and it was transformed throughout the years. At one point her home became a construction and home repair tool storage for Curtis; a car maintenance and stereo shop for Frank; a hair salon for Quantina; a youth mentoring program (SHE) for Chakila and a basketball court for Freddie and Jesse’s basement basketball league. Gloria treated everyone who visited her home like family.

Gloria always made sure her children learned life skills and represented her well in the school system. She was a wealth of knowledge and applauded everyone’s success. If she noticed you were not living up to your potential, she would speak her mind and without holding anything back. She would provide you with enough insight to ensure you understood, and finished the conversation with strong eye contact as she looked over the top of her glasses, stating her favorite phrase “You know what I’m saying”.

She was a social butterfly and could make friends with anyone she met. People would always ask about “Mrs. Jackson”. Gloria enjoyed watching football and basketball. She enjoyed listening to her music, she jammed out to her gospel, R&B, oldies while playing games on her phone.

In the company of family on January 26th 2024, the Lord called her home.

Gloria is preceded in death by her husband Freddie Jackson, grandmother Fannie Malone, father Ray Roland Ross Sr., brother Robert W. Ross, sister Kelli Ross-Prevo, and niece Natasha Ross.

She leaves to celebrate life: four siblings, Nannie Grace Mckenzie (Leon), Theresa Moore, Lessonia Odighizuwa, Ray Roland Ross Jr.; her six children, Eugene “Curtis” Ross, Frank Ross, Chakila Scott-Riley (Douglas), Quantina Scott (Atlanta, GA), Freddie Jackson II (Reisha), Jesse Jackson (Rachael); Tamella Jones; stepdaughters, Renee Dennis (Seattle, WA), Hope Jackson (Miami, FL), and Selena Jackson (Oklahoma City, OK).

Grandchildren: Kacynthia Ross, Jaylen Ross, Elijah Ross, Jaidah Ross, Aquil Ross, William Jones, Jessica Ross-Webster (Lonzell), Donovan Ross, Douglas Scott-Riley, Marina Williams, Chloee Riley, Quantina Jaizha Scott-Simms, Quantina Javonae Scott-Simms, Spirit Scott, Quantina Joan Scott-Gundy, Quantina Gloriana Scott-Gundy, Anthony Scott-Gundy, Freddie Jackson “Trey” III, Auzjherae Nash, Kahllel Jackson, Kyla Jackson, Jesse Jackson III., Jacob Jackson, Joy’Sarai Jackson “Joy”, and Julia Jackson.

Great-Grandchildren: Shariah Ross, Al’ Hafiz Oladipupo, Nafesa Tall, Melina Scott, Daizha Lagrone-Riley, Alona Scott, London Scott, Jeron Scott-Riley, Emma, Wyeth Jones, Ella Jones, Wylen Jones, Genevieve Jones, and Aiyara Randle. And a host of nieces, nephews and great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church and to a host of family, friends, and students who knew Mrs. Jackson and Family. 

A viewing for Gloria will be held Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 8501 N. Chautauqua Blvd., Portland, OR 97203. A funeral will occur Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Mt. Olviet Baptist Church, 8501 N. Chautauqua Blvd., Portland, OR 97203. A graveside will occur Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Sunset Hills Memorial Park, 6801 SW Sunset Hwy, Portland, Oregon 97225.