Barbara R. Jackson

            Life’s Reflection

Barbara R. Jackson born in the picturesque town of Lizella, Georgia on the 8th day of July 1938, she was the firstborn child to the late Odessa Slocum-Jones-Durden and Ester Jones. She was affectionately known as “Honey” to her children and grandchildren.

Barbara’s life was a grand play, full of captivating acts and memorable characters. Her youth was spent in the vibrant city of New York where she danced to the rhythm of life with notable artists like Jackie Wilson, Otis Redding, and James Brown. She graced the stage of the legendary Apollo Theater and brought joy to many a heart. Her love story began in New York, where she met and fell in love with Eugene P. Getter. They later relocated their family to Michigan City, Indiana, where their love story continued to blossom.

Barbara was a woman of resilience and ambition. She pursued her formal education in the state of Georgia, and she later received her Certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Her dedication and commitment shone through as she worked at several convalescent homes, Red Oak, Memorial Hospital, and St. Anthony’s Hospital, and provided home health care. Her last professional role was as the reassuring voice answering the phones at Emmanuel Funeral Home.

In her personal life, Barbara was a woman of faith and service. She was a member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the guidance of the late Rev. R.T. Shipp. After being widowed, she found love again in the arms of Arthur Jackson. Together, they served at the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, with Barbara working in the Soup Kitchen and serving on the nurse’s guild.

Barbara was a woman of many talents, and she loved to share them with her loved ones. She had a knack for crocheting, a passion for travel, watching her favorite television station METV, and a love for Western TV shows. Barbara loved to work on crossword puzzles. She was an ace at playing spades and an exceptional cook, often preparing special meals for her youngest son. Her children were the apples of her eye, and she shared a unique bond with each one of them.

Her life was a testament to her fighting spirit. Despite health challenges, she remained optimistic, declaring, “This body will give out before I give up.” She spent the last eight years of her life with her daughter Sandra in Gary, Indiana, who took great care of her.

With a heart full of melancholy and sorrow, we bid farewell to the esteemed Barbara R. Jackson. Barbara was a beacon of wisdom, an epitome of optimism, and a soul full of fascinating tales. On the 3rd of July 2023, she breathed her last and ascended to the heavens from at Methodist Hospital in Gary, Indiana surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Albert Jones, Robert Jones, and Rev. Eddie Jones; sister, Donna Jo Jones; three children, Cynthia Marie Lee-Matthews, Brenda J. Getter, and Pastor Anthony A. Getter; sisters-in-law, Vivian Jones, Lillian Watson, Albertha James, and Orelia W. Hales brother-in-law, Alfred (Veronica) Irvin.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength. She is survived by her four loving children, Minister Valerie (Shola) Getter-Akinyeye, Sandra Getter, Elder Joey (Deminia) Walker and Anna (Deacon Raymond) Spencer; five siblings, Joyce Merriweather, Gwendolyn (Pastor James) Crafter, Elijah (Hattie) Jones, Terry Jones, and Dorothy Cross. She also leaves behind twenty-four grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Ann Jones, close friends, Vera Lewis, and Dorothy Jackson, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and associates.

In the words of the Bard, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances." Barbara R. Jackson made her exit, leaving behind a stage enriched by her presence. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

Celebration of Life will be 11am, Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 123 Helen Street, Michigan City, Indiana. Viewing will be 10am, Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Family and Friends may gather at Community Christian Fellowship Hall 2820 East Michigan Blvd, Trail Creek, Indiana for the repast.

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