Imogene Geneva May “Jean” Jackson Obituary
Imogene Geneva May “Jean” Jackson, 87, left this world peacefully on September 9, 2015 after a brief illness. Jean lived most of her life in Eastland, Texas, but in 2002, she moved to Austin, Texas to be near her daughter and grandchildren.
Born December 9, 1927 in Gorman, Texas, Jean transformed a tough Depression-era childhood into a life of kindness, generosity and inner strength. She was funny, warm, free-spirited, and open-hearted. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she loved unconditionally and assisted many people in need, giving without hesitation.
Jean was strong and resilient to life’s many changes. Widowed at the early age of 52, she grieved long and hard for her husband and true love, Max. Over time, though, she found meaning, purpose, and happiness as postmaster for the nearby town of Olden, serving for 15 years, and through her many friendships. During this time, her faith flourished and she learned new construction skills and even how to raise cattle. Jean’s strength and perseverance allowed her to adapt once more when she moved with great reluctance to Austin. To her surprise and delight, she found new friends, fun activities, and happiness during her retirement years.
Jean had some real passions in her life. She loved to cook for family and friends. There are memories of her table groaning under the weight of the dinners she provided. Often she prepared a dozen dishes for a single meal, sometimes more than twenty. She loved nature and animals and delighted in caring for her cows and calves. She nursed numerous birds and pets back to health. Jean also loved art and modern architecture. Her favorite architect was Frank Lloyd Wright. Inspired by his style, she designed her own home in Eastland and built a small-scale model of the home for the architects to follow.
Jean was self-reliant and a doer. She not only bought houses as investments, she also built and renovated them for herself and others. Design, construction, remodeling, landscaping—Jean did it all. There was so much toughness and grit beneath her sweet demeanor.
Jean leaves behind to carry her memory daughter Becky Max Jackson, granddaughter Skylerr Jackson Birnbaum, great-granddaughter Kenna Tuck, and sister Helen Bean.
Jean is now reunited with her beloved husband Max Jackson and grandson James Jackson (JJ) Birnbaum, and is also predeceased by one brother, John Edward May.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday, September 15 at 11:00 a.m. at the Murray Cemetery on Highway 6 just outside of Carbon, Texas, followed by a luncheon reception at the Carbon Community Center.
Obituary and memorial guestbook available online at www.wcfish.com
Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, Austin, TX – (512) 452-8811