Mary Perry Jackson

Mary Perry Jackson passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2013. She was born in Martin County on September 7, 1929 to the late Joseph Henry Perry and Maggie Gardner Perry. She graduated from Jamesville High School in 1947 where she lettered in basketball. She married the love of her life, Julian Jackson in 1951. She attended UNC Chapel Hill where she received her Municipal Clerks Certification. She served on the N.C. Association of Municipal Clerks Board of Directors for several years and was awarded an honorary life membership in 1999. She retired from the Town of Williamston in 1997 after 32 years of service where she was Executive Secretary for a time and then served as Town Clerk her last several years.

She was a dedicated member of Memorial Baptist Church, where she served as Church Clerk, Sunday School teacher, Chairperson of Finance Committee, Outreach Leader, Long Range Planning, Vision Team, Deacon and various other offices in the Church and WMU. She was active in community affairs and especially the Woman's Club, serving as Newsletter Editor, Corresponding Secretary, Chairperson of Awards Committee and Chairperson of the Knickknackers Arts and Crafts Group. She was presented the Woman of the Year award in 1985. She was also a member of the Williamston Community Appearance Commission, Friends of the Martin Memorial Library, N.C. Museum of History Associates, the American Legion Auxiliary, Friends of the Old Martin County Courthouse, the East Carolina University Education Foundation and the Martin General Senior Circle. She was a strong supporter of the Gap Creek Columbia Mission and Johnson University. Her enthusiasm for life was boundless and had a great faith that gave her strength.

She was a very positive, optimistic person and always looked for the best in people. She will be remembered for her warm smile, gentle spirit and her joy in serving the Lord and helping others. She also enjoyed golf, reading, traveling, and was an avid bridge player. She attained the rank of Regional Master in the American Contract Bridge Association.

She is survived by her beloved son Timothy J. Jackson and his wife Charlie and two grandchildren, Katie and Griffin Jackson of Roper; two sisters, Linnie P. Manning of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Margaret P. Eubanks and husband David of Knoxville, Tennessee; a brother Joseph Jasper Perry of Colorado Springs, Colorado; eight nieces, seven nephews and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Julian Jackson in2004, and by two brothers, James H. Perry and Colon G. Perry. The family will receive friends at Biggs Funeral home on Sunday, May 12th from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Funeral services will be held Monday, May l3th at 2:00 pm at Memorial Baptist Church in Williamston, N. C. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Memorial Baptist Church, 109 W. Church Street, Williamston, N.C.27892.