Pearl Elizabeth Jackson

Pearl Elizabeth Arnold Jackson transitioned on Tuesday February 16, 2021 at her residence in Portsmouth, Virginia. 
 

Pearl was born in Norfolk County (Chesapeake), Virginia on December 24th, 1931.  She was 1 of 10 children born to Virginia Copeland and Willie Lee Arnold. She would attend school in Norfolk County with her siblings, Willie Lee, Norma, Margie, Harold Lloyd, Ronald, Maurine, & Samuel. As a teen, she accepted the Lord as her personal savior as a member of The First Baptist Church in Gilmerton Chesapeake. And, was in the junior choir. She would go on to become a beautician after having to drop out of school to help her family. She was devoted to her family and siblings, especially Norma Lee, who she protected throughout her life.

She went on to meet her future husband, Collin M. Jackson. They were married in 1952. They would go on to have five children, Collin, Larry, Pearline (Deceased), Dwight, and Angelitta. A beautician by trade, she became a Fashionista. She made sure her children were well dressed, well groomed, and well mannered. She also made sure they were raised around family and in a God fearing home. After her husband Collin’s death in 1971, she would show her strength and resilience by purchasing a home on her own, built from the ground up. She was strong, kind, sweet, funny, and protective. Don’t mess with anyone she loved, she did not play when it came to her loved ones. She was a courageous black woman who was filled with the love of God. Whenever you needed her she was there. Whether it be helping to raise her grandchildren or needing to cry on her shoulder. As children, when we were sad about adult foolishness, she would say, “Don’t worry about grown folks business, it will just make you sick”. She was so proud of her grand and great grand-children. She was always interested in what we were learning in school, participating in or interested in.  She would say, “What you know good?” and, just listen as long as you wanted to talk. You knew her love was true and blessed by God.

Professionally, Pearl was a cook for Crestwood School and Lakeview Elementary where the children and staff loved her. She also worked in housekeeping for CBN and later Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from where she would retire. She had a list of hobbies which included shopping with her dear sister Norma Lee, being a member of her club the Cavalier Joyettes, and traveling with her best friend Vernice (Deceased).

At the time of her passing Mother Pearl E. Jackson was a faithful, loving, and God fearing member of New Testament Church in Portsmouth, Virginia of which she was a founding member. She was also on the Usher Board. She loved the members and her Pastor, Bishop Jerome Williams.

She was called by many names… Pearl, Mrs. Jackson, Mama, Aunt Pearl, Elizabeth, Mother Jackson, Faithful Servant… But, to her grand and great grandchildren, she was Big Mama… and, with us your memory and love will forever live. We love you.

Rest easy Queen… 

Pearl is predeceased by her parents Willie Lee and Virginia Arnold, 3 siblings including Willie Edward Arnold (Mary), her husband Collin Margin Jackson, a daughter Pearline J. Smith, and her best friend Vernice Harrison.

Pearl is survived by her children, Collin Jackson of Alexandria, Virginia, Larry A. Jackson of Portsmouth, Virginia, Dwight A. Jackson (Jacqueline) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and AngelittaJackson of Portsmouth, Virginia; six Grandchildren, Collin A. Jackson (Andrea) of Washington D.C., Chakeita R. Dickson (Kevin) of Suffolk, Virginia, Dwight A. Jackson Jr. of Virginia Beach, Virginia,  Dante’ D. Jackson (Monique) of Waldorf, Maryland, Charnell E. Jackson of Portsmouth, Virginia, Leah A. Jackson of Warner Robbins, Georgia, Brandon Smith of Portsmouth, Virginia, Andre J. Johnson of Hagerstown, Maryland, Larry A. Jackson Jr. of Barksdale, Louisiana, and Jada Jackson of Lanham, Maryland; ten great grandchildren, Ethan, Kenan, Da’nea, Braelyn, Aidan, Meagan, Rae, Jazmine, Andre Jr., Indiia, and Jakodi; three sisters, Norma Lee Shields of Portsmouth, Virginia, Marjorie Arnold Hobbs (Elder Frederick) of Atlanta, Georgia, Elder Maurine Lewis (Bishop Rudolph Lewis– Deceased) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; three brothers, Harold Lloyd Arnold (Dorothy) of Danville, Virginia, Ronald Arnold (Theresa) of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Elder Samuel Elijah Arnold of Virginia Beach; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memories last a lifetime only if you share them.

On behalf of the family, we encourage you share your personal experiences and preserve the memory of Pearl for future generations to come.

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