Willie Mae Jackson

Born on February 14, 1934, in Mayo, Florida, Willie Mae was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and revered educator. She departed this life on March 17, 2025 surrounded by her family. Willie Mae spent 69 beautiful years married to her beloved and faithful husband, Johnnie Jackson. Together, they built a life filled with love and family in Palmetto, Florida. Their union was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Stephanie and Susan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fannie Buford McCutchen (John) and Paul Buford, Sr.; three brothers, Calvin Curry, Sr. (Odessa), Paul Buford Jr. and Freddie Buford and son-in-law, King David Earley, Jr.

She is survived by her husband, Johnnie Jackson; two daughters, Stephanie Earley and Susan Washington (Robert); grandson, David Earley (Tiffany); granddaughter, Lakia Earley; five great-grandchildren, Antonique, Kemari, Nia, DJ, and Kirsten; and three great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind three loving sisters, Ethel Lee Helms,
Loretta Carter, and Deloris West; brothers-in-law, Arthur Jackson (Charlene), Floyd Jackson (Deloris), sister-in-law, Josephine Jackson; special niece, Lilian Haywood and
Godsister, Dorothy Odom.

Willie Mae held a special place in her heart for her Godchildren: Wirlie Morris, Keith Simpson Sr. (Sheila), Tendayi Callaway Sr., and Tafara Ackerman. Her; adopted children included Gladys Green (Edna), Pastor Ron Shipp and Dr. Lena Shipp, Mozell and Sheron Ackerman, Michael and Lucia Callaway, and Marilynn Buggs. A very special caregiver and Goddaughter, Ruth Carridice, who provided Willie Mae with comfort and care in her later years. Willie Mae had many special friends including, but not limited to Terry Johnson, Soror Beverly Bryant, and Soror Johncyna McRae. Additionally, she leaves behind a host of family, friends, nieces, nephews, “adopted”
grandchildren and loved ones.

She was a proud graduate of Florida A&M University with a BS in Education. Willie Mae later earned her Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Nova University. An esteemed educator and administrator for over 34 years in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, Willie Mae dedicated her career to teaching students with special needs, leaving a lasting impact on countless young lives.

Willie Mae was also a devoted life member of the Gamma Rho Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., exemplifying her commitment to service, scholarship, sisterly love, and finer womanhood. A faithful member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church for over 53 years, Willie Mae actively participated in the choir as a member and director, served
as a deaconess, worked with the youth, coordinator of vacation bible school, contributed to the scholarship committee, and served on several other committees. She deeply loved her pastor, her pastor & wife, and her church family.

Willie Mae enjoyed spending time with her family, attending her grandchildren sporting events, eating her sweets and was known for making her famous healing chicken
noodle soup.

Willie Mae Jackson's strength, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to her family and community will be deeply missed. Her legacy of love, compassion, and perseverance will continue to inspire all who knew her. Willie Mae always said, “Prayer can go where no one else can.”

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