Josephine Marie (Kelly) Jackson

Life’s Reflections

Josephine Marie Jackson was born on December 1, 1928 in Weston, Missouri to Ira and Estella Kelley.  She was the youngest of four siblings: Grant Kelley, Raymond H. Kelley and Mary Kendall were her siblings.  Her parents and brothers preceded her in death.

Josephine grew up idolizing her parents and greatly benefiting from her upbringing.  Unfortunately, the family was split up because of the bigot, segregated school system, which did not provide an education for Negroes or Blacks past the eighth grade at that time.  Her mother (Estella), sister (Mary) and Josephine moved to St. Joseph, Missouri where she completed her education at Bartlett High School and at the top of her class.

After graduation, Mary and Josephine moved to Kansas City, Kansas in pursuit of a better life and employment. They took excellent care of their mother and became active members in their community and church.

Josephine more commonly or affectionately called Jo or Josie met the only love of her life Freddie Lee Jackson in 1952.  This union raised four children:  Lonnie Hershel, Evelyn Jean’, Kristi Lynn and Peter Anthony.  They were a hard-working couple that provided and sacrificed for their family. She was a true servant who loved to cook and have family and friends over for Sunday dinners.  Freddie and Josie’s home was a meeting and a focal point in the center of their community

Josephine joined First A.M.E. Church in the early 1950’s where she continued to grow spiritually in God and Jesus Christ.  As a seventy-year active member, she was an usher, announcement clerk, kitchen crew, worked with the YPDs, and many other positions.  Always amicable and pleasant to be around.  Mrs. Jackson demonstrated this God-given attribute while working for Newman’s Hamburgers and unofficial role as block mother for 10th and Quindaro, Rowland and the north end in KCK.

She worked diligently with the Foster Grandparent Program as an aide to children with disability.  Josephine retired after eleven years of faithful service.

In 2002, Freddie and Josephine celebrated their 50th anniversary.  It was truly a milestone event, because of the trek of their journey together and overcoming obstacles in their path.   Freddie was called home to be with the Lord three months later, which devastated Josephine.  Nevertheless, she still continued her faithful walk with the Lord

In Josephine latter years, she still had the passion to be on the go and remained fashionable and a stylish dresser.  She gave her all to her family and friends to whom she loved to be around.  Those who knew Josephine know that she’s gone on home on the “morning train”.  Job well done Mother dear, we shall meet up again.

Josephine Marie Jackson will be waiting to greet the love ones left behind sons, Lonnie H Jackson (Gracella); Peter A. Jackson (Sylvia); daughter, Evelyn Caples; all of Kansas City, Kansas; daughter, Kristi L Jackson of Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandchildren, Keith Whitcomb; Lonnie and Marques Jackson; Taneya Cobb (Lynell); Earl III and Jamel Jones; Trichelle Heard; Auroria and Major Jackson; nine great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  

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