What is your hometown?

I was born and raised in Milan, TN. I graduated Milan High School and attended Memphis State University. There I met the love of my life, Ed Jackson, who was from Jackson. We married and moved back to Jackson, where we have lived for almost 52 years.

What is your profession?

I was in retail for 38 years and retired almost a year ago. Retail allows you to visit with lots of folks while serving Jackson at the same time. I have developed so many relationships through Marilyn Jackson’s Gifts. It is very important to be involved in your community. You must stay connected, support your community, and they will support you.

Where have you contributed your time in efforts to give back?

I have served on the boards of the Cotillion Club, Cerebral Palsy Center, Families in Action, WRAP, Jackson Service League, and the Chamber Advisory Board. I have chaired the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women event, and as a breast cancer survivor, I have emceed the American Cancer Society’s Runway for a Cure. I have volunteered in the soup kitchen, thrown birthday parties for nursing homes, and hosted exchange students. I have served on the board of the Jackson Theatre Guild and performed in many plays, including Driving Miss Daisy where I played the role of Daisy. I have also been active with Union University’s Theatre Department.

Three words that best describe you.

Witty, Friendly, Dependable

What is the last thing you Googled?

I Googled jokes that won’t offend your preacher.

Favorite place for going out or favorite thing to do in Jackson?

We love attending shows at the AMP, we have excellent sports facilities, and our symphony is fabulous, just to name a few. We have so many excellent restaurants, but we go to Redbones on Monday nights. They are locally owned, serve delicious food, and they donate portions to different charities. I love to support someone who gives back.

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

Prayer and coffee. OOPS, that’s 2 things!

Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because…

My greatest honors, besides my family, has been being named “Woman of the Year” for Jackson, Woman of Achievement, and being named Woman of Influence by our mayor and by the State Legislature. (I hope that means “GOOD” influence). I love my city of Jackson, and I am so proud to be a citizen.