Clara E Jackson

On the morning of February 1, 2022, our beloved Clara Elizabeth Jackson was carried into eternal rest in the arms of her heavenly angels. Born to the late James and Edna Jordan in Prospect, Virginia she was the youngest of six siblings and preceded in death by sisters Elsie Taylor of New York City, Lucille Hopkins of Flushing, Queens and brothers Wilson Jordan of Long Island City, Leroy Jordan of Corona, Queens and Alfred Jordan of Flushing, Queens. During their formative years, Clara and her sister Lucille were raised by their eldest sister Elsie, whom she held in high esteem for being her caregiver and protector, while their mother was away working to support the family. Life in the south was hard; there was little opportunity and growing up on a farm required long hours and hard work. A bright eyed, beautiful young girl with a heart full of dreams and hope, Clara envisioned a life beyond the fields of grain, corn, and livestock. Although her childhood home was filled with loving siblings, cherished memories and supportive aunts and uncles, Clara had a calling and was not fearful in answering it. A southern, country girl at heart, Clara followed her ambitions to the bright lights and skyscrapers of New York City before the age of twenty. Arriving in New York, she was delighted to be reunited with her mother, and eagerly looked forward to the journey on the uncharted path before her. The sounds and rhythms of rock and roll courted and resonated with her, leading her to pursue becoming a nightclub singer. The song she most loved to perform, that followed her through the years, was Heartbreak Hotel. Through the winding canyons of her journey the road raised up to meet Clara the day she met and fell in love with the late George Jackson, of Columbia, South Carolina. Becoming the love of her life, their union was blessed with a loving son, whom they named Gregory. The family journeyed through the cities of Newark, Springfield, and then settled long term, in the Vauxhall area of Union Township in New Jersey. Clara had a passion and love for singing and performing, but she also loved fashion and style and held a dream of becoming a cosmetologist and starting a business. As a wife and mother, she pursued her education towards her goals through night classes, but eventually had to let it go for health concerns. Clara was highly ambitious and unafraid of any challenge or pursuit… answering the call of many paths. She was most proud of her achievements within the field of electronics; where, for a period of time, she used her experience to work on several contracted government projects. Everyone that knew Clara, knew she worked for the government…she made sure of it! Clara would go on to pursue various opportunities in electronics beyond her government days. Clara’s nurturing and giving personality led her to pursue fulfillment as a home healthcare worker during the later years of her life. She had a penchant for taking care of others and she embraced it full on. Whenever anyone was in need, no matter what circumstances were swirling, Clara was dependable and faithful to the call of family and friends that needed help. A faithful soldier of her faith and commitment to her God, Clara enjoyed fellowship with her church communities through Sunday school, Prayer Meetings, Choir, Worship Service, and outreach. Clara loved cooking and over feeding her family, friends and anyone desiring a meal. She was an avid southern cook but had a deep love and appreciation of Italian food. She prepared many delicious meals, but the two staples that everyone seemed to want on every occasion were her baked macaroni and cheese and lasagna. If your stomach was hurting and on the verge of bursting, she was satisfied and even then, she would send you home with a plate that could serve two more meals. We remember and cherish our memories of Clara for her spirited personality and relentless drive. No matter the challenge she found her way around the obstacles, heartache, and disappointments to create a fulfilling and blessed life that she lived on her terms. Clara was not deterred by struggle; she was unafraid to live her life to the best or worst of her desires. She was a true soldier on the battlefield, and she gave us everything, whether we wanted it or not. Through every trial or tribulation, when asked how she was feeling, the response was “I’m glad to be in the land of the living.” Planted firmly in her faith we hear her voice tell us “He may not be there when you want him, but he’s there when you need him. He’s an on-time God.” That’s pretty much the way Clara lived her life from the entry doors of the heartbreak hotel into the gates of heaven. We honor your life, your memory, and your spirit. We are forever changed for the better, because you challenged us, and you loved us. Enjoy freedom. Rest peacefully our angel, you finally have your wings, now fly! Clara leaves the celebration, story, and memory of her life’s journey to her beloved Son, Gregory Jackson of Tamarac, Florida and partner Johnny Pecorelli, cherished nieces Betty Ann Smith, of Haiti, Linda Breedlove, Michele Taylor, and Deborah Taylor of New York, and nephews Dennis Wilson of Georgia, and Donald Wilson of New York. Clara is also survived by a loving sister-in-law, Ruth Green, of Columbia, South Carolina, numerous cherished nieces and nephews of the Jackson family, and a bounty of faithful, dependable, and loving cousins and friends. The family wishes to express the deepest gratitude to her niece Ramona Smith, and her spouse, Teresa Shepp of Somerset, New Jersey for their tireless commitment, time, advocacy, and care for their aunt, and helping to carry forward Clara’s final wishes, and to Jean Cross, of Vauxhall, New Jersey for her loving support and resources in helping with the details and organization of the funeral services. Lovingly submitted by her son, Gregory Jackson