Laura Odessa ‘Dolly’ Jackson
Mrs. Laura Odessa “Dolly” Jackson, 90, longtime Forest Glade resident and Mexia businesswoman, passed away Saturday night, March 6, 2021, in Mexia after a courageous battle with numerous health issues.
Dolly, or Mama Dolly as she was known to many, was born Aug. 30, 1930, in Hubbard. She married Ivan Neal Jackson Sr. on June 5, 1948. They enjoyed seventy happy years together raising their two boys and working side by side in their business and farm interests, prior to Ivan’s death in 2018.
Dolly was a woman of strong character and possessed an incredible work ethic. Whether it was at work, church, or civic endeavor, she was ready for action with a smile and lovely appearance. At Jackson’s Mexia Retail, she kept books, met customers, and made everyone feel at home. At Calvary Baptist Church, she was an active member of the Esther Sunday School Class and was also assistant treasurer. Civic activities included the Mexia Business and Professional Women’s Club, where she had been a member since 1970. Dolly was once named “Woman of the Year” for the city of Mexia. In 2006, she and Ivan were named Mr. and Mrs. Mistletoe for the Mexia Christmas parade. She will always be remembered for her love of the Lord, her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan Neal; her daughter-in-law, Christy Jackson; and by her brothers, Bill McClinton and Dub McClinton.
Survivors include her sons, Ivan Neal Jackson Jr. of Forest Glade and Steven A. Jackson and wife Kathy, of Forest Glade; grandchildren, Keith Jackson and wife Brittany, Jennifer Retz, Lance Jackson and wife Stephanie; great-grandchildren, Kinsley Jackson, Blair Jackson, Elliot (Fletch) Jackson and Astrid Jackson; siblings, Herman McClinton and wife Emily, Becky Sherril, Carolyn Railsback and husband James, Phyliss Strother and husband Ralph, and Gala Nettles and husband Ronnie. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 9, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Mexia with the Rev. Marcus Sheffield, the Rev. Rick Gray and the Rev. Shane Norcross officiating. Interment followed in the Point Enterprise Cemetery. Pallbearers were Larry McClinton, David Mc-Clinton, Bubba McClinton, Steve Smith, Timothy Railsback, Mathew Hunley, Jack Strother, Matt Strother, Robby Robinson, Mike McClinton, Scooter McClinton and Doc Sherrill.
Visitation with the family was Monday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Limestone County Cancer Support Group, P. O. Box 107, Mexia, TX 76667 or Calvary Baptist Church, 519 S. McKinney, Mexia, TX 76667.
Visit www.blair-stubbs. com to leave the family a message of condolence or sign the guestbook.
