FREDDIE MAE JACKSON

Freddie M. Jackson was born on February 14, 1929, in Tyler, TX, the fourth of Ira and Cora Brown’s nine children. Freddie’s parents and siblings proceeded with her in death. Raised with strong religious beliefs, it was easy to understand how Freddie developed as a nurturer and caregiver. In the short time that she was with her parents, their profound guidance was sufficient to perpetuate the ideals they had set for her.

Freddie was actively involved in the church throughout her life. After relocating to San Diego, she joined Christ United Presbyterian Church and has been a active member for over 55 years. In the church, she grew spiritually and continued to help others to grow. She served in many roles as Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Director of Vacation Bible School, an ordained Deacon and Elder.

Freddie successfully matriculated through local Tyler schools, going on to Texas College. She graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Freddie was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. in 1948 while at Texas College.  She was a dedicated and active member of this Sisterhood serving in many capacities for over 73 years. Freddie attended San Diego State University, graduating with a Degree in Education, and she also earned her Administrative Credential.

As a child of God, Freddie resolved to honor the human need of children to learn, find acceptance, empathize, feel satisfaction, discover dignity, and take pride in oneself. Freddie believed that the three most important institutions in our society are the home, the church, and the school. She had the privilege to be a vital part of each of these institutions. Each has been a blessing to her, and she has striven through her commitment and hard work to be a blessing to each of these institutions.

Freddie chose education as a career. As an educator, Freddie touched the lives of many boys and girls during her career over 37 years; she taught in Illinois and California. Freddie was proud that she was a successful educator, vice-principal, principal, and mentor. In 1991, Freddie, the model educator, retired as principal of Gage Elementary School. One of her many accolades comes from Gage, where she had been given a lifetime membership in the Parent, Teacher, and Student Association. After retirement, she found many ways to continue her commitment to education through volunteer work in the church, schools, and community.

As a citizen, Freddie set a goal for bringing the power of whatever leadership she wielded to promote greater equality among people. In 1989, she was named Ambassador for the United Negro College Fund for work with T.V. viewing Parties. Freddie also supported and marched in the picket lines in front of the Grant Hotel and Bank of America to allow people of color admission. Freddie acknowledged that she saw significant changes in race relations in San Diego. In 1991 she also had the privilege of serving on the San Diego County Grand Jury, which was quite an experience.

Freddie received numerous other distinguishing awards. She was recognized by the Salvation Army as their Woman of Dedication, Nordstrom Department Store, and San Diego Links, Inc. for community service. She donated her monetary awards from these honors to her church and the Elementary Institute of Science.

Freddie supported and raised donations for several organizations over 30 years that were close to her heart. She organized an annual Walk for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, raising over $30,000 as Team Captain. Freddie coordinated fundraising activities for Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary by selling the Kids News Day Papers. She was also a member of Southeastern San Diego Women, Inc. This civic organization honors citizens who make a difference by their volunteer efforts and awarding scholarships to college-bound high school seniors. She served in the capacity of President and Committee Chair for over 50 years.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory a host of nieces and nephews, close family friends, and church members. She did not have biological family in San Diego, but she had a wonderful extended family; Dr. Robert (deceased) and Ardelle Matthews, Al and Joyce Kercheval, Carl and Dorothy Smith, Dr. Gene and Juel Moore, Mary and Albert McClain, Sr. who was always by her side in all her joys and trials. A viewing at the Church (Christ United Presbyterian) on Sunday, June 13th from 12 Noon until the funeral hour at 1pm. Burial will take place at Evergreen Memorial Park in Tyler, Tx. The family ask in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Children's Hospital in her name. 

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