Dorothy Mae Jackson was born in Columbus, Ohio on Monday September 30, 1935 to Jordan L. Jackson and Madeline Jackson (nee Johnson). Dorothy was educated in the Columbus City School District and graduated from East High School.
Dorothy began working after high school and first worked in the medical field at a local hospital. After she began to have children, she became a stay-at-home mother until the youngest child began to attend school. Then, Dorothy became a volunteer at Deshler Elementary School where her youngest child was attending, eventually becoming employed at Deshler as a Teacher’s Aid. When her youngest child moved on to junior high school, Dorothy followed, and became employed at Roosevelt Junior High. Dorothy eventually began working at Fairwood Elementary School and, as it happens, worked there at the time that two of her granddaughters attended. She eventually retired from the Columbus City Schools in 2000, after 29 years of service.
Dorothy accepted Jesus Christ as her savior as a young woman. She loved attending Sunday School classes and reading and studying the Word of God. Dorothy could be counted on to be in prayer for her children, other family, and her friends. She was an avid attendant of church services at Love Zion Baptist Church for many years before becoming a member of New Fellowship Baptist Church. Dorothy served as the Church Secretary at New Fellowship for a number of years before returning to Love Zion. She loved to sing, and throughout her years of church service, no matter the location, she always sang in the choir. Dorothy also served as a Nurse at Love Zion for many years.
Dorothy met Clarence one evening as they were both walking along the street to their respective destinations. Clarence was walking alone, dressed in his Sailor uniform and Dorothy was with several of her friends, dressed for a night out. Clarence and Dorothy were married on December 1, 1956 and were married for 61 years. To this union were born four children: Mary, Robert (Bobby), Richard (Ricky), and Martha.
Dorothy will be remembered as a sweet, friendly, and generous mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She had a no-nonsense approach to life, and was always able to handle any situation put before her with calm and grace. She was always willing to lend a hand, to give you a ride, put some money in your pocket, feed you, or give you a place to stay no matter what or for how long. She was also able to deliver a funny one-liner or a snappy response. She will be remembered for many things like her Cherry Delight, the organization of the Jackson Family reunions, and her acceptance of one and all, always.
Blessed with 85 years of life, Dorothy was preceded in death by parents Jordan and Madeline Jackson; husband, Clarence; daughter Martha (Alan) Bell-Hergins; son, Ricky Bell. Also preceding her in death: brothers Jordan L. Jackson, Jr., Robert L. Jackson, and James L. Jackson; sisters Flora B. Anthony, Mildred L. Carter, (Alice) Virginia Craddolph, and Louise V. Johnson; nieces Linda Jackson and Diana Craddolph, and nephews Darryl Craddolph, and EJ Carter.
Left to cherish her memory are children: Mary (Marvin) Bell-McGhee and son Bobby. Also left to cherish her memory: 10 grandchildren: Marquel (Nicholene) McGhee, Erin (Frederick) Ellis, Mara McGhee, Robert Bell Jr. (BJ), Marshall McGhee, Ericka Buford, Marika (Eric) Edwards, Elysa Bell, Marlon McGhee, and Marsalis McGhee; 11 great-grandchildren: Malachi Wiggins, A’lessia Bell, Kristopher Buford, Nyarrah Bell, Charles Jones III, Maliek Bell, Makai Bell, Jaxon McGhee, Davon Burgess II, Anaiyah McGhee, and Leila McGhee; loving nieces and nephews: Janet, Janice, Brother, Billy, Tim, Denise, Johnny, Rosey, Marty, Marian, Jackie, June, Michele, JJ, Madeline, Scott, Maurice, Jimmy, Stacy, Lorraine, and Diallo; and hosts of other loving relatives and friends.
Visitation 9:00 AM and Funeral Service 10:00 AM Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Love Zion Baptist Church, 1459 Madison Ave 43205. Interment at Evergreen Burial Park. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave.
Click Here to View Program
We are saddened to learn about the loss of your love one. Continue to rely on God and know that he hears your prayers, because he cares for you. Thinking of you all.
One of God’s s faithful has been called from labor to reward I have only fond memories of Dorothy, to her family I will never ever forget how she helped me grow in the Lord always there with a wealth of wisdom and her saying it’ll be alright and it was. To Bobby, Erica and Lisa and family that know I send my deepest sympathy and Love. Somehow I knew it was not good news when I saw her number on my caller id June 2
To the Bell Family, Mrs. Dorothy I will remember your warm sweet spirit and smile singing in the adult choir May you rest with God in heaven.