Ferne Jackson

Ferne Albina (Wagoner) Jackson of Aquilla was born April 3, 1937, in Hill County, Texas, the fifth child of Green Wagoner Jr. and Lina (Smith) Wagoner. After graduating from Dunbar High School, Ferne furthered her education at Prairie View and Paul Queen Colleges as a nursing major. Ferne relinquished her studies to return home to take care of her mother whose health was failing.

Ferne accepted employment at Plantation Foods (Cargill) where she later retired after 32 years of dedicated service. 

Ferne received Christ at an early age at Gholson Church of God in Christ, where she remained a faithful life-long member until her demise.

Ferne was married to Haskell Williams, later David Lee Smith, and was the mother of four children. She later married Altus Jackson who preceded her in death. No children were born to their union.

The joy of Ferne’s life was serving the Lord and she would often sang her Mother’s song, “One day I made a choice and I chose the right rather than wrong.” 

Mother Jackson served the church in numerous capacities locally, district, and state-wide as Sunday School Superintendent (20 years), Waco District Sunday School Field Representative, YPWW teacher, church Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee, and Texas Southwest Jurisdiction, Hospitality Vice President. Her hospitality theme was “Service with a Smile.”

Ferne was civic-minded and spearheaded numerous fundraisers aiding church renovations, ministry outreach and helped pave the road bearing the Wagoner family name. In her spare time, Ferne loved spending time with family, gardening, cooking, and hosting dinners--most notably Nana’s Annual Christmas dinner which included Nana’s famous tea.

Mother Jackson (Nana) boarded her flight to heaven early Friday morning, October 22, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister; Joyce Hope Wagoner, three brothers; Ercel Wagoner, Willie Iris (Betty) Wagoner, and Russell (Essie) Wagoner.

Ferne leaves to cherish her memory; devoted daughters, Claudette Gaither and Cloddy Williams of Gholson, Jacqueline Toppen of Waco; loving son, David (Tanya) Smith, Sr. of Gholson; step-daughter, Lauretta (Allen) Blacknall of Marlin; 14 grandchildren, Christopher, Brandy, Nancy, Victoria, Kirk Jr., NaToya, Kevin, Matthew, Caleb, LayAdric, Jeremy, Tilandria, David Jr. and Tiara; 24 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Esther Wagoner; special nephew, Danny Wagoner and many other nieces, nephews, in-laws, relatives and friends.

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