Jeraldean Godsey Jackson

Jeraldean Godsey Jackson, age 78, a long-time resident of the Birmingham area, died Wednesday, the 4th of January 2017 at home following a battle with heart disease. Jerri was born on August 5, 1938 in Brilliant, Alabama to the late Eulene Godsey Roper and late Dock Godsey.  She attended Birmingham Southern College on full scholarship prior to her 58-year marriage.  On July 5, 1958, Jerri married the love of her life, John L. Jackson, at Pratt City Methodist Church.  She went on to become a preschool teacher for over 20 years.  A strong Christian her entire life, Jerri dedicated her life to her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family, friends and her faith.  She loved life to the fullest, never met a stranger, was always full of endless joy and hope, never turning down an opportunity to pull a prank or crack a joke.  During her high school years, she excelled at sports.  Later in life, she developed a love of camping and fishing with her husband.  She was also a dedicated Bible Study Teacher and spent her life leading and teaching Christian youth groups, guiding many young adults to live life honestly and with faith and enthusiasm – just as she lived her own. Jerri is survived by her husband, John L. Jackson; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffery John Jackson and Susan Bowerman Jackson; son and daughter-in-law, William Douglas Jackson and Melissa Puckett Jackson.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Erin Elizabeth Jackson, Lindsey Grace Jackson, Aven Noel Jackson, Mary Margaret Jackson, William Douglas Jackson 2nd, and Webster Andrew Jackson. Jerri is also survived by one sister and brother-in-law, Helen Wade and Harold Wade. She is preceded by siblings – Dock Godsey, Jimmie Godsey, Billy Godsey, Nina Godsey, and Jane Wood.  Surviving sibling spouses are Martha Godsey (wife of Dock), Jeanine Godsey (wife of Billy), and Lois Shifflett (lifetime partner of Nina). She also loved her in-law relatives, including survivors:  Virginia Nell Brewer and spouse William Brewer, Charles Ray Jackson, Brenda Gail Swatzell and spouse Roy Swatzell, and Marilyn Jackson. Preceded in-law relatives include:  Otis Lee Jackson, Carolyn Kinard and spouse (Sonny) Ralph Kinard Jr. and Jimmy Dale Jackson. Jerri was also preceded and survived by numerous nieces and nephews she loved dearly. A memorial service will be held at 12 Noon on Wednesday, January 11, at Riverchase Community Church, 2053 Old Montgomery Highway, Birmingham, AL 35244 http://www.riverchase.cc/.  Pastor Tony Weiger will oversee the service.  Memorial flowers can be sent to Riverchase Community Church.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the same.