Inez (Benson) Jackson

Mrs. Inez Benson Jackson was born on January 16, 1929 to the late Verge and Clara Benson in Dime Box, Texas.

She professed her faith in God at an early age at Sandy Point A. M. E. Church in Dime Box, Texas.  Upon moving to Temple, Texas in 1962, she united with Wayman Chapel A. M. E. Church.  Mrs.  Jackson was a faithful and devoted member serving through the years as a Stewardess, Sunday School Teacher, Class Leader, member of the Missionary Society and loved Wednesday night Bible study session.

On January 15, 1952, she united in holy matrimony to Don H. Jackson, Sr. in Giddings, Texas and to this union six children were born.

She received her early childhood education in Dime Box Public schools.  Upon graduation, she furthered her education at Paul Quinn College, Waco, Texas (now located in Dallas, Texas) earning a B.S. Degree in education, and did additional studies at Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, Texas.

Mrs. Jackson had a deep and caring love for people.  She taught school in Lee County School District, Globe Hill Community School, Fairview School, Burleson County School District and Temple Independent School District for 15 years and was a 1983 Golden Apple Nominee. She retired on August 31, 1987. Mrs. Jackson taught school for 26 years.  She enjoyed working with children and found teaching a rewarding experience and delight in helping to shape the lives of young people. She also encouraged others and always shared her blessings along life’s way.

She pinned these thoughts: “I have enjoyed the beautiful earth of God, the lovely sun, rain, flowers, dew, birds, insects, and all of God’s creatures of this earth.  Do not weep for me, but remember me as in death as a sunset who have enjoyed a long beautiful day and ready for a pleasant rest.  I hope I have left some fragments in someone’s life that will live on in years to come.  I have been challenged in my professional life and have managed if not a perfect score, at least a passing grade.  I can look forward to the last act of my life knowing that some of what I have thought and done will live on in the lives of others….”

Mrs. Jackson was active in the community and regularly attended activities at the Friendship House where she was” First Place Dessert Winner” in the African American Kitchen.  Her hobbies were sewing, quilting, ceramics, cooking desserts, and canning. Special orders for her pound cakes, tea cakes and peach cobblers were sold at Kerley’s Grocery.

She departed this life on Friday, March 25, 2022 in a local hospital.  Mrs. Jackson was preceded in death by her parents, Verge and Clara Benson; husband, Don Jackson; one son, Don Jackson Jr; one daughter, Sandra Joyce Jackson; seven brothers, Verge Jr., Edgar, Glenn, Willis, S. T., Clemons, R. D. Benson; and a sister, Erma Lee Benson; one grandson, Reginald Jackson, and a great granddaughter, Destiny Dykes.

Mrs. Jackson leaves to cherish her memories:  four daughters, Beverly Jackson, Dime Box, TX; Vernessa Matthews (Arnold) Temple, TX; Patsy Crawford, Austin, TX, Nellie Majors(Thomas) Waco, TX; six grandchildren, Joseph Jackson (Keisha), Jacksonville, FL; Robin Rogers (Charles), Billy Dykes, Brandon Dykes, Dontrell Dykes,  and Ebony Matthews all of Temple, TX; fourteen great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.