July 11, 1931 – Dec. 24, 2011

NATCHEZ — Services for Thelma T. Jackson, 81, of Natchez, who died Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, at Natchez Regional Medical Center, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at King Solomon Baptist Church with the Rev. Freddie Schiele officiating.

Burial will follow at Sunset View Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Webb Funeral Home.

Mrs. Jackson was born July 11, 1931, in Cannonsburg, the daughter of the Rev. Juanita Tyler Sr. and Ametia Cruel Tyler, the 11th of 14 children. She was affectionately known as “Boo” by her siblings and relatives.

At a young age, Thelma confessed Christ and was baptized and became a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Cannonsburg. She later moved her membership to King Solomon Baptist Church where she was a faithful member until her health failed.

She and her twin sister, Velma Tyler Churchill, graduated from St. Francis Catholic High School. She furthered her educational studies at Alcorn College, graduating in 1960. She had recently celebrated her 50th year as an alumnus of her alma mata in 2010.

While pursuing a degree in elementary education, Thelma put that training into action by initially working in Jefferson County as a teacher. She continued her teaching career at Liddell School in Fayette and retired from the Louisiana School System with more than 30 years of educational service.

Thelma and Peter Jackson were united in holy matrimony Dec. 9, 1955, by the late Dr. Oscar Allen Rodger. Family was important to Thelma. This was evident by the love shown to her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives. The door to her home was always open, receiving those who entered with a welcoming spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her twin sister.

Survivors include a loving and devoted husband of 56 years, Peter L. Jackson Jr.; three daughters, Barbara Clark and husband, Albert, of Collierville, Tenn., Bonita Hinton and husband, Renay, of Jackson and Ellen Ametia Jackson of Natchez; six grandchildren, Renita Williams and husband, Cory, of Garland, Texas, Kimberlyn Clark-Hamilton of Collierville, Christa Roach and husband, Eric, of Rowlett, Texas, Kari Lindsay Clark of Smyrna, Tenn., Jeremy L. Hinton and Jessica L. Hinton, both of Jackson; seven great-grandchildren, Erich Roach, Tyler Reese, Jenna Williams, Kristin Roach, Corey Williams Jr., Aysia Hinton, Alexis Williams and Austin Roach; three sisters, Leviolet Gaines, Eudoxie Perkins and Mary Mixon; and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.