Obituary of Flora Jackson

Flora Belle Jackson was born to Henry and Angus Johnson, October tenth, nineteen hundred nineteen in Cleveland, Ohio. She was a fraternal twin and one of eight other siblings. Flora met her late-husband Edward R. Jackson in October of nineteen thirty-eight and they were married August sixth of nineteen thirty-nine and they remained devoted to one another over 65 years until Edward departed this life May 13, 2005. From their union they became the parents of five children, one daughter and four sons; Richard L. (Grace), Homestead, PA, Edward R. Jr. (predeceased), Rhonald W., Mesa, AZ, Bonita Y. Jackson-Smith, Rochester, NY and Robert H., Homestead, PA. Grandchildren: Lyncedia Jackson (Ohio), Barry L. Jackson, Chelsea Morgan (Pennsylvania), Raven Smith (Arizona), Davone K Smith(predeceased), Julie Baez,( Tampa Fl), Jamyka S Smith, (Springfield MA), Raven Lee Smith Jr(Hartford, CT), Summer S Smith, Kyle A Smith, ( Hartford CT), Shawn D. (Valerie) Smith, Mark A. Jackson, Kim S. (Ernest Osborne) Allen, Shaun D. (Fred) Reed, Jill M. Smith(predeceased)(All of Rochester, NY), Tamara L.(Brendan) Jackson(Hawaii), Tisha M.(Cedric) Cherry(Silver Spring, MD), T’Shaka (Samantha) Jackson(Chandler, AZ), Dingane P. Jackson(California). She is also survived by twenty one great grandchildren, nine great-great grandchildren and one sister-in-law, Marvaline Johnson (Brownsville,Pennsylvania) and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives, and special friends.

Flora was a strong woman she worked and raised her children while her husband served in World War II. She became a licensed practical nurse in Pennsylvania and after relocating to Rochester, New York in 1968, In 1972, she attended the Educational Opportunity Center where she obtained her New York State LPN license and she received recognition for her neat appearance and attendance. Flora worked on staff at Strong Memorial Hospital, Kirkhaven & Nortonian Nursing Homes, she was working at the Rochester Presbyterian Home when she retired in the 1990s. In addition to working as a nurse Flora was an avid baker, she baked and decorated simple birthday cakes to lavish wedding cakes all made from scratch. She enjoyed ceramics, drawing and crocheting.

Flora was an active member of her former church Bethel A.M.E., Monongahela, PA she was a member of the women’s choir, the women’s auxiliary and various other groups. Flora became a member of the Baber A.M.E church under the pastor Rev. Jones and she has remained faithful to her church ever since.

She had been a resident at St. Anne’s Community on Portland Ave in Rochester, NY for the past four year. Flora was known as “Grandma”, she considered most who cared for her at St. Anne’s an extension of her family. Flora was a member of the residents council, choir, the bell choir, she served on the food committee, kids star program, she participated in the Chico’s Annual Fashion Show, served as Project Director for bingo, created a cookbook for the cooking and baking club and she was chosen to participate in the committee that hired the director new music. In addition to all of the committees and clubs Flora took up piano lessons. Just a few weeks ago Flora recited her favorite poem “TREES” at a spring program. She shared seeds of wisdom with all who would listen and gave encouragement when she felt it was needed.

Flora was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She loved listening to and helping people with their troubles. She had a way of making everyone feel like they were special. Flora remained connected to current events and she looked out for her family and friends, calling to warn of bad weather and power outage announcements. Flora loved her Miami Dolphins and enjoyed watching football games, she enjoyed the Kentucky derby, Preakness and Belmont stakes, and she loved the game show Family Feud. Flora had an amazing memory and was quick witted even when she was in the hospital. Flora lived a full active 101 years in this world.