Idalene Jackson

Idalene Kimbrell Jackson died peacefully on January 2, 2017. The daughter of Annie Maude and Homer Quillian Kimbrell, she was 105 years young! … and a fourth generation Atlantan. Her family left Atlanta when she was a young child and she was raised in Augusta, GA. Mrs. Jackson was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Otis M. Jackson, her son Charles Jackson, brothers Homer Kimbrell, Jr., of Miami, FL, Charles A. Kimbrell of Coral Gables, FL and Rome, GA, her sister Sara Kimbrell Dupree of Athens, GA, and niece Carol Jamison of Atlanta. She is survived by her grandson, Charles Joseph Jackson (Joey) of Dillon, CO, and his mother Gwendolyn, a sister-in-law Mrs. Charles Kimbrell of Rome, GA, and several nieces and nephews: Bob Jamison, Sally K. Kerestes (Bill), Lee K. Hight (Charles), Jane K. Smith (Gordon), Katy K. Hoehl (John), Anne K. Whittelsey (Sheldon), Beth K. Robertson (David), Hylton B. Dupree (Patsy), David J. Dupree (Carroll), Homer Q. Kimbrell (Linda), and Charles C. Kimbrell (Nancy).

In 1935, Mrs. Jackson returned to Atlanta and joined Peachtree Christian Church (PCC) where she met her future husband. They were married in 1940. Mr. Jackson was the last active charter member and Elder Trustee Emeritus of PCC until his death in 1999. Mrs. Jackson remained constant in her love for her church through her service in many capacities of leadership and support. As one of the first women of PCC to be elected an Elder, she was honored to hold Elder-Emeritus status.

Among her varied community interests was the Peachtree Battle Garden Club, which she co-founded in 1943. She was the last active charter member. During World War II, Mrs. Jackson was a faithful and devoted volunteer in the Home Service Department of the American Red Cross. Later she became an involved member of Sheltering Arms, and a member of the Y.W.C.A. Board of Trustees, during which time she chaired the Northside Women’s Division of the Community Chest (now United Way). A committed member of P.E.O., an international organization dedicated to promoting philanthropy and higher education among women, she was a charter member of Chapter O in Atlanta, having served as Chapter C President and a member of the state board. One of her favorite pastimes was walking the Capital City golf course back nine with her husband.

A close friend remarked that “memories of Idalene, a matriarch of her church for 70 plus years, and her commitment to serving the community, will be treasured by the many lives she touched.” Her family wishes to thank Campbell-Stone Apts. for their care and support for many years, and her faithful caregiver, Theresa Onwuana.

A memorial service will be held at Peachtree Christian Church, 1580 Peachtree Street on January 8, 2017 at 2:00 pm with a reception-visitation following the service. Mrs. Jackson was a gifted pianist and organist and had a lifelong love for music. Her service will feature the music she loved and The Rev. Jim Bell will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the Peachtree Christian Church Music Ministry or to the Otis M. Jackson Scholarship Fund at Oglethorpe University, in care of the Rotary Club of Buckhead, P. O. Box 12151, Atlanta, 30355.