Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of Wilma Jackson

Wilma Jackson (Arthington) 90, of Clinton, departed to her permanent home peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Monday, June 8th, 2009. A celebration service will be held at 2 P.M. Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at the Calvert Funeral Home, 201 Center St., Clinton, Illinois, with her son, Joseph Jackson, and James McMillon officiating. Burial will be at the Clinton Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wapella Christian Church or Little Galilee Christian Assembly.

She was born July 4th, 1918, to Asa and Sarah Elsie (Nelson) Arthington in their home outside of Wapella. On September 23, 1939 she married Kenneth W. Jackson, the love of her life, in Clinton by Rev. Wheaton. They had 69 wonderful years together, having lived in Illinois, Florida, and back to Illinois for their final years. Wilma lived a long and blessed life, one of serving and giving as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. She was a friend, teacher, cook, and organizer. Her love, guidance, quick wit, and get-it-done attitude, were evident to all she met. She was a very devoted mother of her family, instilling rich Christian values and strong work ethics, which will be carried on for generations to come. She continued the tradition of her family being an active member of Christian Churches wherever she lived, and also assisted in establishment of three new churches. She was also a teacher, always giving direction and guidance to those around her. She began teaching Sunday School at 14 years of age and was also an elementary school teacher for several years.

Wilma is survived by her loving husband, Kenny, two sons, Frederick (Fritz) of Wapella and Joe of Miami, FL; two daughters, Kellen Yeater of Champaign and Aricka Calianno of New Port Richey, FL; two daughter-in-laws, Linda and Elizabeth; grandchildren, Keith Jackson, Kenda Herberts, Dr. Kenneth Jackson, Joseph Jackson (Andy), and Jami Ellis; three great grandchildren, Donnie Jackson, Kayla Jackson and Kenneth Jackson (Andy); a great great grandson, Reese Patrick English. Her parents, brother (Glen), grandsons (Kent, Jeremy, and Joshua), and many friends have preceded her to her everlasting home.

Our condolences to the Jackson family.