Joyce Kathleen Jackson

Life Reflections Joyce Kathlee Jackson was born March 23rd, 1938 in St. Louis, Missouri to the Late Morris Johnson and Gladys Yokely-Johnson.She was educated in the St. Louis Public School System and was the first African-American female to graduate from Ritenour HighSchool in 1956. Always striving for academic excellence, Joyce achieved honors status throughout high school and became a memberof the flag team. Joyce continued her education at Florissant Valley Community College and the University of Missouri in St. Louis.After graduating, she accepted a position in early education and Title 1 programs with the Ferguson-Florissant School District.In November 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, Benton Jackson, Jr., (preceded her in death). They were blessed with ninechildren. Joyce was a dedicated wife, mother, and friend. To know her was to love her. Joyce's kind, warm, and inviting personality wasnoticeable in her desire to offer hospitality and refuge to those in need. She was very active in her children's Parent Teacher Associationand enjoyed sewing for family and friends in her spare time. She was very astute and witty.Joyce accepted Jesus Christ as a young age. She attended Church of God in Christ at Elmwood Park under the direction of Elder Lemons. Later, she joined Walnut Park Bible Chapel under the directions of her father-in-law, Elder Benton Jackson, Sr. While a member at WalnutPark Bible Chapel, she served in several ministries and was very active in First Sunday Celebrations and Turkey Hill Bible Camp. In lateryears, she enjoyed watching gospel and evangelical ministries on TV.Joyce departed life on May 5, 2015. She leaves to cherish: nine children, Gregory (Linda), Benton, III (Karen), Bentonya (Henry), Benyta (Kenneth), Gary (Lynette), Byron (Tonnette), Gretchen (Reginald), Garth (Lydia), and Benjamin (Viola); six sisters, Marilyn (Joe), Beverly, Karen, Brenda, Myra, and Tonya; six brothers, Oliver (Kathy), Gene (Sarah), Richard, George (Jackie), Paul (Lisa), and Todd (Laura); one uncle, James; six sisters-in-law, Eleanor (Bill), Carol (Norris) Mary (Michael), Cleo, Shizue, and Eleanor; five brothers-in-law, Lon (Betty),Bernard, Clarence (Carol), Erbert, and Theodore (Beverly); twenty-nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces,nephews, cousins, and friends.Joyce was preceded in death by; Cynthia (sister), Morris, Jr., (brother), Ralph C. Carter (step-father), Frankie Johnson (Step-mother), Elder Benton Jackson, Sr., (father-in-law), Aussie Crenshaw-Jackson (mother-in-law); five brothers-in-law, Donald, Thomas, Art, William and Jethro; two sisters-in-law, Barbara and Rose; and lots of friends and aquaintances.Interment -J.B. National Cemetery2900 Sheridan AvenueSt. Louis, MO 63126 .