Pearlina Smith Jackson

Pearlina Jackson was born in Mecklenburg County, VA on September 23, 1926, to the late Patrick Henry
Smith and Emma Smith (King). She was affectionally known as Pearl, Silver Fox, and GG, short for Great Grandma.
Pearlina transcended to her eternal home on Thursday, January 6, 2022, with her loving son Edward by her side.
Pearlina attended school in the New York school system finishing at Central Commercial High School.
Pearlina united in holy matrimony to the late Edward Jackson, Jr. She became his Pearl, and he was her Bubby. Out
of that loving union came three beautiful children: Ronald, Patricia, and Edward, III.
Upon leaving school, she worked at the New York City Health & Hospital Corporation. She was assigned to
Bellevue and Jacobi Hospitals where she worked for 25 years before retiring. She often joked about being "retired
longer than she actually worked." After retiring, Pearl and her husband relocated to Smithfield, NC, and joined First
Missionary Baptist Church. Her faith was always at the forefront of her life.
Pearl loved to travel with her family. She also traveled many times with her sister Alice. They mostly enjoyed
going on cruises and vacationing in Vegas. Before Alice's passing, Pearl spoke with her every day to recap the events
of their favorite soap opera. She was a great storyteller and always eager to share her life experiences passing down
great wisdom to the family. She often shared stories with everyone about taking her children to the beach and her
Bubby carrying their big red cooler on his shoulders, a cooler her son Eddie still uses to this day.
We could count on her to be very stern and not hesitate to give correction in a loving way. Pearl enjoyed her
daily cups of coffee and extra dark country ham biscuits. She enjoyed cooking potato salad, chocolate cake, coconut
cake and especially her Famous Sweet Potato Pie. There were many "lively" discussions around who would get that
last slice of pie!
Pearl welcomed everyone that her children loved into her family. When Patricia met Ronnie Richardson, he
eventually became Pearl's bonus son. Pearl also shared a lifelong friendship with Ms. Eleanor Mears, also known as
"Tiny", who worked with her at Bellevue Hospital. She loved and cherished her family with all her heart. She always
would thank God and constantly say, "I am so blessed." Pearl knew she was loved and would be dearly missed;
however, she was also grateful to have lived such a full life.
Pearlina Jackson, will always be honored in our memory as …OUR LOVING MATRIARCH!
She was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Emma Smith; husband, Edward Jackson, Jr.; sister,
Alice Carroll; son, Ronald Jackson; daughter, Patricia A. Jackson; and grandson, Edward Jackson, IV.
She is survived by her son Edward Jackson, III (Marla); grandchildren Tasha Jackson, Quincy Croom, Chatia
Ellington, William Ellington, Ronald Jackson, Tatiana Dixon, Anthony Jackson, Taylor Dixon, Noelle Jackson,
Spencer Jackson; 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

"Love Letter to my Mom"
It broke my heart to lose you, mom, but you did not go alone.
A part of me went with you the day God called you home.
A million times I've thought of you, a million times I've cried.
Mom, if my love could have kept you here, I would be right by your side.
God wanted the best for me, so He blessed me with you as a mom.
You were loving, spiritual, caring, wise, a loving mentor, but at the same time firm, never hesitating
to give corrections when needed.
The family all agree, your reign as matriarch will forever be legendary.
God said job well done my child, it's time to come home for your comfort and glory and it was then
heaven gained an Angel.
I will always love you, Mommy.
Your Loving Son Eddie

Visitation:
Thursday, January 13
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Sanders Funeral Chapel
806 E Market St
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-8416

Graveside Service:
Friday, January 14
11:00 AM
Sunset
Smithfield, NC 27577