Edna Myrle Jackson

Edna Myrle Jackson, 81, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, was born to the late Tine and Zelma Smith, June 7, 1931, in Lepanto, and went to be with Jesus on Monday, October 15, 2012, at her home.

Edna was preceded in death by two brothers, William Smith and Alvie Smith, two sons, Gary Lynn Jackson and Tony Lavon Jackson, one son-in-law, Joey Frazier, and her former husband, A.L. Jackson.

Edna was a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Jonesboro where she served as Sunday school teacher and as Sunday school clerk. She loved her church family.

After being a homemaker for several years and raising her family, Edna decided to return to school and earn her GED. She continued her education by going to nursing school where she earned a Licensed Practical Nursing degree. She immediately went to work at St. Bernards Medical Center where she retired with 17 years of service. Following her service at St. Bernards, Edna worked at Nettleton School as a kitchen technician where she was “Grandma” to all the children.

Edna loved her roses, her garden, and her dog, “Reddi,” which was her companion for 10 years. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include one sister, Liddie Smith of Black Oak; four sons: Lucky (Mary) Jackson of Jonesboro, Danny (Joyce) Jackson of Bay, Jimmy Jackson of Jonesboro, and Allen (Glenda) Jackson of Greenbrier; 4 daughters: Penny Mitts of Bay, Pammye (Russell) Hill of Jonesboro, Tammy Fraizer of Bay, and Tiny Jackson of Jonesboro; 18 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Wednesday evening, 5-8, at Emerson Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 4500 Sarah Street in Jonesboro, with Danny Jackson and Allen Jackson officiating. Burial will follow in Nettleton Cemetery.

Active pallbearers include Vincent Flood, Ashley Drake, Adam Jackson, Dustin Leafty, Russell Hill, Daniel Flood and Gary Jackson. Honorary pallbearers will be all grandchildren and the men of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.