Cora Lee (Harper) Jackson, age 86, of Fairfield, California passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 in the company of her daughters. She was born on June 14, 1934 in Grenada, Mississippi to Ernest and Cynthia (McClendon) Harper. The eldest of three siblings: Ernest Jr., Barbara, and Cleopatra. Cora’s early education began in Grenada at: Rounsville Elementary, Graysport Middle School and later Grenada High School. After spending two years at Grenada High School, Cora, chose to migrate from the rural, segregated South to Alameda, California, with the assistance of her maternal Aunt. Cora graduated from Alameda High School and continued life in California. While embracing adulthood in California, Cora would often reminisce on her formative years in Mississippi. She shared memories of walking miles to school in the woods and recalled hanging long John stockings on trees. She also delighted in memories of spending time with Papa Jim and Mama Cora McClendon, her maternal grandparents. From the many stories that Cora shared with friends and family, it was evident that she grew up in a loving, close-knit Christian family.
Cora Lee, as she was affectionately called, loved listening to her dad sing, “Precious Lord”. She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. While in Mississippi, she was a member of Rounsville AME Church. She never faltered in her faith and knew the importance of fellowship. Therefore, soon after moving to California, Cora joined the first Baptist Church to exist in the city of Alameda, Star Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Star Bethel was led by the faithful servant, Reverend Herbert Guice. “A big faith, in a big God, gets big things done”. As Cora’s spiritual formation progressed, her personal formation progressed as well.
While living in the Naval Base city of Alameda, Cora met and later fell in love with a young, charming United States Navy Member. At the age of twenty-two, Cora married the Navy member, Robert Louis Jackson. The two were united in holy matrimony for fifty-eight years, before Robert preceded her in death. Robert was the love of her life. One of the many joys of the union was the birth of four children.
Cora was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed cooking, baking, canning and most of all sewing. Cora was the ultimate, full-time homemaker. When it came to employment outside of the home, she would lend her time to causes she was passionate about. Cora was passionate about the health and well-being of children. While in Alameda, she worked for: Alameda Unified School District- Head Start Program and the Alameda Police Department as a School Crossing Guard. Together Robert and Cora, nurtured and raised their family in Alameda, and in 1973, the family moved to Richmond, California.
While in Richmond, Cora worked as a Cook for West Contra Costa YMCA Daycare Preschool Program. In alignment with Cora’s passion, and out of necessity, Cora raised two grandchildren. She realized the task of raising grandchildren and subsequently participated in the YMCA Grandparent’s Support Group. After seeing the value of the support group, she began to serve as the support group’s Volunteer Coordinator. In this role, Cora ensured that there would be adequate group participation, a necessity to assure grant funding. Aside from her passion related to the health and well-being of children, Cora was known to sell Avon products. Cora served as an Avon Representative for well over thirty years.
As Richmond residents, Robert and Cora Jackson joined St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Emeritus John H. Green and upon his retirement, her membership continued under Pastor Charles J. Stewart. Over the course of her membership, Sister Jackson was an active member and served as a faithful and devoted member of the Mission Department and the Sunday School's Women Class.
Cora was revered by family as the Matriarch/Historian and oldest living member of the Harper/McClendon family. Cora’s presence and knowledge of family history will be sorely missed, but her legacy of love, strength, dedication, and witty sayings will be cherished.
Surrounded by her family, Cora, took her final breath and quietly slept away on Wednesday, March 10th. She is now absent from her body, but we can be assured that her soul is present with our Lord.
Cora was preceded in death by her parents: Ernest and Cynthia Harper, two siblings: Ernest Harper Jr. and Cleopatra Harper. Husband, Robert Louis Jackson and son, Robert Louis Jackson Jr.
To cherish her memories, Cora leaves daughters: Leontyne (Tina) Jackson, Sophia Jackson, Robbie (George) Ford. Grandchildren: Cori (Kevin) Curry, Quincella Jackson, Alexis (Brandon) Wyatt, Robert L. (Bobby) Jackson, Cheyanna Jackson; Janessa Jackson. Great-grandchildren: Kevin Curry, Jerren Thrower, Keyon Curry, Jevohn Hewitt, Kamryn Curry, Jeremiah Worrell-Facey, Raymond (Stuff) Jackson, Brandon (BJ) Wyatt Jr. A devoted sister, Barbara Neil Johnson (James). Brother-in-law Charley Jackson; Sister-in-law Geneva Harden and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
