Sept. 12, 1934 - March 17, 2012

ELKHART — Helen Jackson, 77, of Elkhart, passed away Saturday, March 17, 2012, at Elkhart Hospice House.

She was born Sept. 12, 1934, in Proctor, Ark., to Clay Smith Sr. and Ellen (Church) Smith.

Surviving are five daughters, Shirley Grayson of South Bend, Mildred (Otis Moore) Jackson of Elkhart, Janice (Miles) Phillips of Elkhart, Trecia (Ramone Sr.) Tanner of South Bend and Gwendoy (Curtis) Hines of Elkhart; five sons, Willie G. Jackson Jr., Tommy (Peggy) Howell Sr. and Allen (Yalanda) Jackson, all of Elkhart, Terry L. (Sandra) Jackson of Niles, Mich., and Jerry (Benita) Jackson of Elkhart; two brothers, Robert Smith of Elkhart and Phillip (Betty) Smith of Muskegon, Mich.; 33 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Willie G. Jackson Sr.; son Larry Jackson; two brothers, Clay Smith and Jonathan Smith; five sisters, Ora Mae Smith, Dora Mae Smith, Ellen Church, Pearl Beard and Elnora Bell; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was a member of St. James AME Church.

Helen was employed as a seamstress for several years. She loved spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren at birthday parties and family cookouts.

A celebration of Helen's life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 24, 2012, at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, 122 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, Elkhart. Her remains will lie in repose one hour prior to the funeral service. The Rev. Jennifer W. Tinsley, pastor, and Dr. Rev. Frank Beard will officiate. Interment will follow in Rice Cemetery, Elkhart. Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, is entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contribution may be made to St. James AME Church. Online condolence may be sent to www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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