Ethel Jackson

She was born on September 21, 1930, to Orlan and Anna Hepner in Wiley Ford, West Virginia.

During her 80 years on this Earth, Ethel embodied the finest qualities of the human spirit, and her compassionate heart, loving attitude, zest for life, and sense of humor will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Simply put, Ethel was a superstar wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. The values and principles that would guide her life were cemented at a young age, evidenced by her selection as both Valedictorian of her Fort Ashby High School class, and "Best Girl All Around." Following High School, she earned an Associate's Degree in Business, and subsequently served in the Department of the Navy in Washington D.C., where she met and married the love of her life, Russell. Together, they embarked on a lifelong journey blessed by five wonderful children and 38 years of service to the nation as a dedicated Air Force couple.

Their assignments took them to the corners of the world, including Washington, D.C., England, New York, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, Germany, Alabama, Maryland, South Korea, Virginia, and New Mexico. Throughout their tenure in the Air Force, Ethel selflessly devoted countless hours to the military and civilian communities, serving as a Girl Scout Leader, Classroom Mother, Family Services Volunteer, member of the Officer's Wives' Club, and Assistant Manager of the base not-for-profit Gift Shop.

Following retirement from active duty in 1985, Russ and Ethel settled in Maryland, where Russ continued his service to the nation in the National Intelligence Community. During the next 25 years, Ethel continued to provide much needed counsel, love, and emotional support to her family as they navigated through numerous challenges such as raising children, careers, and enduring family separations driven by military service. In 2005, following Russ's second retirement, he and Ethel embarked on a round the world cruise, and shortly thereafter, moved to San Antonio, Texas to be close to family.

Ethel is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Russell Jackson; her daughters Karen Jackson, Kathi Bob Mayrides, Susie Mike Winslow, Lori Merrill Fink; her son Sean Yvette Jackson; grandchildren, Chris, Bryan, Lauren, Stacey, Kelsey, and Connor; siblings Larry Hepner, JoAnn Creller, and Carol Jean Barry Hammitt; and granddogs, Abby, Cocoa, and Lucy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Orlan Jr. and John Hepner; and granddogs, Bud, Ginger, Mandy, Molly, Jazzy, and Daisy.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the Air Force Village II Health Care Center Nurses, CNA's, and Staff, as well as the Nurses and Doctors at Wilford Hall Medical Center.

Memorials in honor of Ethel Jackson may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090-6011, or www.alz.org. Click on the tab "DONATE" and select "Tribute/Memorial Donation."

Ethel lived a rich and fulfilled life, and in her spare time enjoyed reading, cooking, travelling, and gardening.

Although her passing leaves us with a heavy heart, our spirits are lifted by the knowledge that the lessons she imparted to us through her actions and deeds are indelibly printed on our souls, and that in her unconditional love, she left us the greatest gift of all. May she rest in peace.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 15, 2010, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

SERVICE

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

1130 A.M.

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:00 PM