Luella Jackson

Published 12:30 pm Friday, July 29, 2022

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith…” (2 Timothy 4:7).

Luella M. Jackson transitioned to her eternal rest from Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, Ark., on June 26, 2022, where she had spent her last days under the care of her daughter, Sandra Jackson Brown, and the competent staff there. She was an outstanding mother, community leader, educator, church member and friend, who positively influenced lives of everyone she met.

Born the sixth child of the late Teman and Floretta Mondy, Luella spent her entire life in Angie, the community she loved dearly. Her formative years were spent at Wesley Ray Elementary and High School from which she graduated. She continued her education at Southern University in Baton Rouge, where she received her Bachelor’s, Master’s and +30 certifications in elementary education.

Luella was employed by the Washington Parish School Board as a teacher at her former high school, Wesley Ray. During the initial desegregation of the public schools in the Washington Parish, Luella was one of the first African-American teachers to be reassigned to Thomas High School. Because of belligerent protest, Luella, along with the other African-American teachers, was transported to school each morning by federal marshals who were stationed outside her classroom door and who had to escort her to the restroom, cafeteria, and other parts of the school during the day. After several years, she had the opportunity to return to Wesley Ray Elementary where she served as assistant principal and first grade teacher. Luella retired in 1995 with 35 years of service.

Luella was an active member of Wesley Ray United Methodist Church, where she served in many capacities. She was the president of Wesley Ray United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women), President of the Communion Stewards, and Membership Secretary. In addition, she served on numerous boards and committees that enhanced the growth of the church. Several years ago, she was honored by the New Orleans District as United Methodist Woman of the Year.

Moreover, Luella was very active in her community and civic organizations. She was a member of the Washington Parish Credit Union Board of Directors, Washington Parish Library Board of Control, Washington Parish Southern University Alumni Chapter; and the Washington Parish Retired Teachers Association. She was a former member of the Washington Parish Fair Association Board of Directors where she received numerous honors and recognitions, including the 2015 Miles Branch Honoree for her numerous volunteered hours in the Miles Branch Settlement, the fair’s Mystery Person recognition, and the fair’s Catalog Honoree.

Luella was married to the late Fred. W. Jackson for 48 years until his death on Oct. 27, 2001. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Judy Kay Jackson; sisters, Roxie Roberts, Gracie Foster, Hattie Foster and Velma Nichols; and brothers, Otha, Virgil, Oliver and Freddie Mondy.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her daughter, Sandra J. Brown of Little Rock; sons, Bryce Jackson, MD, (Rebecca) of Panama City, Fla., Alan D. Jackson Sr. (Beulah) of New Orleans, Julian Jackson of New Orleans, and Jacque B. Jackson Sr. (Connie) of LaPlace; grandsons, Dr. Alan Jackson Jr. (Jaleesa) of Shreveport, Barrett Jackson, JD, (Victoria) of Frisco, Texas, Jacque Jackson Jr. of Baton Rouge, Brandon Jackson of Panama City, and Kyle Jackson of LaPlace; granddaughters, Stephanie Monarch of Katy, Texas, Alana Taiwo (Akim) of Auburn, Ga., Dr. Alane Anthony (Kris) of Littleton, Colo., and Kalen Jackson of LaPlace; and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by the following siblings, Bessie Mondy Lee of Tracy, Calif., Hermon Mondy (Ida) of Oakland, Calif., and Leonard Mondy of Angie; sisters-in-law, Odell Jackson of Monroe, Olevia Mondy of Angie, and Jo Ann Mondy of Lansing, Mich.; brother-in-law, Richard Foster of Angie; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition, she leaves a special goddaughter, Attorney Naisha Janaé Johnson.

Though she is no longer with us, memories of Luella will comfort us and give us peace as we live without her.

A drive-thru viewing was held on Friday, July 8, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, at Wesley Ray United Methodist Church, 38019 Wesley Ray Road in Angie, with the Rev. Terrence August officiating. Interment followed at Wesley Ray’s Church Cemetery. Arrangements were under the directions of Crain and Sons Funeral Home of Bogalusa.

To honor Luella, please send memorials to Wesley Ray United Methodist Women, P.O. Box 206, Angie, LA 70426.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; a time to be born and a time to die…” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2a).