Soldier. Warrior. Ambassador. Matriarch.

Mrs. Gloria Dean "Deanie" Jackson, loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother,  great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend and most of all a warrior for the cause of Christ; entered this earthly place February 25, 1939, and peacefully made her transition on Monday April 20, 2020 in the comfort and care of Novant Health Medical Center in Huntersville, NC, with her son and daughter-in-law at her side. Her wisdom and insight inspired and will forever impact all of those she knew.

Gloria Dean Jackson, started life in Carroll County, Ohio in the city of Malvern on the 25th day of February, 1939. Gloria is the eldest of two children born to the late Moses and Nancy Jackson.

Gloria Jackson attended Canton City Schools, and is a proud alumna of THE McKinley High School where she met and married her High School Sweetheart, Gerald Jackson on April 8, 1957.

Gloria Jackson loved the Lord. Baptized at an early age, Deanie continued to grow in her love for God, her thirst for the Word and relentlessly displayed her uncompromising faith with all those she knew and loved. Deanie, was a lifetime member of Peoples Baptist Church, where she and her family were active members. Over the years, she served in a variety of ministries to include: The Jubilee and Mass Choirs, The Dorcas Circle, and the Women's Ministry. Gloria was an accomplished teacher and had a passion for working with the youth that attended Bible Study, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School.

"Sister Jack", as Pastor Arrington affectionately would call her, gratefully served as a trustee and most recently church secretary of Peoples Baptist Church.  In 2017 after experiencing several health challenges she relocated to North Carolina with her son and daughter-in-law and became a member of their church, St. Paul Baptist Church in Charlotte.

Gloria took pride in being well studied and  knowledgeable on many topics and never backed down from a great debate.  She was an avid sports fanatic, who loved football and basketball and watched games remotely with her sister Phyllis in Houston, TX. She was committed to her family and had a deep affection for her grandchildren. She took great pride in being a grandmother and especially enjoyed every opportunity to brag about all of  her great grandchildren. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Deanie during her 81 years, she would say things as only Deanie could. She was consistent with her message that God is bigger than any problem you have and that you MUST have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ!

Gloria Dean Jackson is preceded in death by her parents Moses and Nancy Jackson. Her husband, Gerald N. Jackson, Sr. and her daughter Karen Freeman and Daughter-in-law, Michelle Freeman.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her only sister; Phyllis (Kenneth) Gilfort of Houston, TX ; her children: Gerald N. (Alma) Jackson, Jr., Huntersville, N.C.; Ronda (Doug) James, Houston, TX; Michael Freeman, Canton, OH; and Tracie Freeman, Houston, TX. Her brother-in-law, Stanley (Arlene) Jackson, and sister-in-law, Hattie (Charles) Wells and her son-in-law, Daniel Freeman, Sr.

Her grandchildren: Daniel Freeman, Jr.,  Danielle Freeman, Gerald (Candace) Jackson III, Brittany James, Dionna James , Whitney (Michael) Lacey, Douglas James Jr., Michael Freeman II, Taylor Freeman, and Scottie Minor II ; Great-grandchildren: Jordan, MaKenzie, Taylor D., Jahkai, Hayden, Gerald IV, Jaliyah and Christian. Her Nieces and Nephews: Joseph Sanders, Troy Sanders, Kenesha (Kenny) Hawkins, Tonya (Phil) Martin, Stanley G. Jackson, Jr., Deneen Lewis, Tammy Wells, Rod Wells, Mike Wells. and a host of relatives and close friends.

The family wants to give special thanks to all those who provided love and support to Gloria D. Jackson over the years.

Due to the current restrictions of COVID-19,  a celebration of her life is planned for a later date.

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