Frances E. Jackson

Frances E. Jackson, 82, of Lenexa, KS, formerly of Paola, KS, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Friday, July 8, 2011. She now rests joyously with her beloved husband, three preceded children and twin grandsons in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer"s Association. Frances was born November 11, 1928, in Spalding, MO. She was the only daughter of James Robert and Anna Marie (Franklin) Powell and the fourth of their five children. She married her husband of 44 years, Ralph H. Jackson, on December 31st, 1945, in Hannibal, MO. They moved to the Paola area in 1967. She devoted her life to raising their eight children: Mark, Beverly, Carolyn, Terry, Marty, Kevin, Debra and Becky. After 20 years of employment, she retired from Bendix King Radio. Never one to be idle, she later joined Kansas Custom Embroidery where she worked until 2003. Frances adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would welcome them with only the tightest of hugs. She enjoyed working in the garden, sewing, embroidery, mail-order shopping, Christmas gift exchange with her daughters, word searches and travel. She was also known to be a KC Royals fan, competitive Bingo player, lover of pretty jewelry, and reportedly - the best cook in the world. Her smile would light up the room; and she never failed to tell you that she "loved you more than you will ever know." Her family admired her strength and determination and will remember her as a woman who adored her husband, never asked for anything or said a negative word about anyone, rarely complained, and would do anything for those she loved. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents James and Anna Powell; her brothers Harvel, Glenn, David and Alfred Powell; her husband Ralph H. Jackson; her sons Mark and Kevin Jackson; daughter Marty Renzenberger Taulbert and grandsons Danny and Duane Jackson. She is survived by her four daughters and their spouses: Beverly McEvers of Lenexa, Kansas, Carolyn and Jim Wilhoit of Overland Park, Kansas, Debra and Wes Schlobohm of Shawnee, Kansas, and Becky and Michael Harper of Overland Park, Kansas; and one son and his wife, Terry and Karen Jackson of Sterling, Kansas; 18 grandchildren, and over 30 great-grandchildren.