Obituary of Alma Louise Jackson

Alma Louise Jackson, a dedicated public school teacher, writer, and civic leader, passed away on June 16, 2024, at the age of 90. She was born on August 27, 1933, in Rocky Mount, Virginia, and most recently resided in Delaware Township, New Jersey. 

Alma led a vibrant and fulfilling life. She had a deep love for gardening, playing Contract Bridge, and writing. Her favorite foods included clam chowder, corn bread, fried chicken, apple sauce, ginger cookies, and bananas. Alma enjoyed listening to Larnelle Harris, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, and Lou Rawls. 

Alma was an extraordinary individual with many fascinating qualities. At the age of 9, she started teaching sunday school, showcasing her passion for education from a young age. Education played an important role in Alma's life. She attended Franklin County Training School, where she graduated as the valedictorian. Alma later pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Virginia State University and continued her graduate studies at Wright State University. Alma also wrote a book called Butterfly: Notes from Alma's Journal.

She held fond memories of Dayton, Ohio, which she considered her favorite place in the world. Alma was an avid viewer of shows like Tamron Hall, Wendy Williams, The Waltons, 60 Minutes, and many a true crime series. She took great pleasure caring for her grandchildren, Chris and Catherine, and loved to see them play football and basketball. 

In her community, Alma actively participated in the Dayton, Ohio Chapter of the Links, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Dayton Set Club, Red Hat Society, Top Ladies of Distinction, and the Jefferson Regional Water Authority. She held leadership positions as the past president of the Dayton, Ohio Chapter of the Links, Inc. and the Jefferson Regional Water Authority, as well as a former secretary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Beta Eta Omega Chapter. 

Alma deeply valued her faith. She was baptized into the Christian faith at the First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount, Virginia, at the age of 9. Throughout her life, Alma was an active member of various churches, including Phillip's Temple CME Church, People's Community CME Church, and Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. At the age of 89, Alma converted to Roman Catholicism and became a member of St. Catherine's of Siena in Pittstown. She expressed gratitude for the warm welcome she received from Father Chester, Deacon Mike, Deacon Dennis, Bishop Paul, the Knights of Columbus, the Rosarians, and all the members of St. Catherine's. 

Alma's perseverance and determination were evident throughout her life. Despite facing challenges, such as kidney disease and breast cancer, she remained a survivor. Alma impacted the lives of others through her inspirational stories, dreams, and visions. She was a devout prayer warrior, always lifting her family members in prayer. 

Alma was married to Herman Martin Sr. from August 1954 until their divorce in 1976. She then married Franklin Jackson in 1981, who remained her spouse until his death in 2001. 

Alma had a strong devotion to her family. She cherished spending time with her children, Herman (Elizabeth) Martin Jr. and stepchildren Helen Jackson, Nancy Jackson, and Steve Jackson. Alma was preceded in death by her stepson Franklin Jackson Jr. She was also a loving grandmother to Christopher (Jeri) Martin and Catherine Elizabeth Martin, as well as a great-grandmother to Christian Hayden Martin. 

Alma is survived by her loving family, cousins, and friends, who were a constant source of love and support. She expressed particular appreciation for the support from Elizabeth Martin's family, her daughter-in-law, and the Dayton, Ohio chapter of the Links, Incorporated. 

Alma was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Hicks Sr. and Blanche Hicks Thomas, and her siblings Edwin Hicks, Andrew Hicks Jr., Walter Hicks, and Russell Hicks. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Karl Hicks, Jonathan Hicks, Gwendolyn (Michael) Crawford, Lynn Childress, Ashley Childress, Demetrious Childress, Michael Crawford, and Shantell Childress. 

Alma will be remembered for her unwavering faith, creative spirit, and her commitment to education and community service. Her favorite quote, "To be in tune with my Creator on a 24-hour basis," reflects her deep spiritual connection. 

May Alma Louise Jackson rest in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Alnma's name may be made to St. Catherine of Siena, for their Parish Community Center Fund (checks may be made payable to St. Catherine of Siena Parish Center Fund and mailed to or dropped off at, 2 White Bridge Road, Pittstown NJ 08867,please put in memo In honor of Alma Louise Jackson)

For those who cannot attend in person, a livestream link has been made available for the mass on Saturday, July 6th. Please Click Here For Live Streaming Service