Erma Josephine Jackson

Erma Josephine Jackson was always on the go, a woman with a purpose. Driven by love, commitment, and a profound awareness of the brevity of life, she cherished every moment that she spent with her loved ones and put them first even in the midst of a hectic way of life. She had a deep awareness of the pain of others and the compassion of a person familiar with heartache. She never sought accolades or praise for the many things she did for others; she just wanted to show those around her that she loved them.

Born on April 13, 1915, Josephine grew up on the family farm in Clinton County, Michigan, where she and her siblings learned about teamwork and the value of a job well done. By the time Josephine was five, the world was trying hard to recover from the devastation of World War I but had no way of knowing that economic devastation was looming at the end of the decade. Her parents, Lewis and Edith (DeGurse) Reeb, loved their home but had to make the tough decision to move the family to Lansing for a time so that Lewis could take a factory job. Fortunate to have any job at all during those lean years, Lewis made sure that his children knew he put their needs first and that it was important to him to provide for them in any way he could, a lesson that Josephine took to heart and would later pass on to her own kids.

When Josephine was a student in high school, she wasn't one to do things for attention or to try to make a name for herself. In spite of that, she did catch the eye of a young man named Ernest Jackson. He was quickly smitten, and even asked to have his locker switched to the one next to hers. At first Josephine refused his many invitations for dates, but his persistence paid off and she finally agreed to go out with him. There was no turning back after that for either of them. About five years later on November 11, 1936, they exchanged vows in the First Congregational Church in St. Johns. They kept those vows through tragedies and triumphs, experiences that served to knit them together for over seventy years.

They first lived with Ernest's parents until he saved up enough money at his job with GM in Flint to buy his dream, a farm of their own. They established their new home on Parks Road in Ovid, about one-half hour north of Lansing, and eventually switched over to dairy farming. The two made an exceptional team, and Josephine worked not only in the fields and milking facility, but also managed the household with skill and pride. Their strong relationship gave their children a sense of security and confidence, demonstrating their interest in each other to such an extent that the kids were convinced they could read one another's minds.

While the farm took up a great deal of the family's calendar and energy, Josephine always made time for the kids. She listened and gave wise advice without being domineering and was fair when helping them work through conflicts. When they were sick, there was no better place to be than home with Mom because of her loving attentiveness and concern. She and Ernest emphasized the importance of an education and despite their busy lifestyle she scheduled music lessons for the kids. Josephine was a 4-H leader, appreciating the extra time during the year that fair season gave her with her own children as well as enjoying the impact she could have on other kids. She always said that the cows got fifty-one weeks out of the year, but they were keeping one for themselves, a week reserved for fishing, and just about anywhere would do. The whole family looked forward to that week of just relaxing together. Josephine loved her family so much that she sacrificed whatever was necessary in order to care for their needs. Her mother came to live with the family for many years and helped care for the children.

Her faith was a vital part of Josephine's life and was clearly demonstrated by their faithful attendance at Ovid United Methodist Church. She made sure that the children went to church and encouraged them in their own pursuit of faith. She also believed that promptness was next to godliness, and although she respected her minister, but if the sermon went long she didn't try to hide the fact that she was checking her watch.

After retirement, Erma and Ernest wintered in Brownsville, Texas. They had a cottage at Otsego Lake where the family often gathered for some fun in the sun. Erma loved quilting and frequently gifted her handmade treasures to loved ones. She joyfully maintained her garden, both for flowers and produce.

In the 1980s, Josephine endured a pain no parent should ever have to face when she lost her daughter Kathryn. It was an incredibly difficult time, yet despite her struggles she continued to look for ways to help others. When the time came for her mother to require regular physical care, Josephine stepped up. Later when her husband was also in need of care, she was there for him no matter what. Josephine once again experienced immeasurable loss when her best friend Ernest died on January 16, 2008.

Early in 2010, Josephine received the heart wrenching news that she had cancer. Now it was her turn to receive care and comfort from others. Despite the grief she had already gone through, she never gave up hope. She had hope for her eternal future as well as hope for those she knew she would eventually leave behind. The memory of her love and perseverance will continue to encourage and inspire all who knew her.

Erma died on Monday, August 8, 2011. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ernest; a daughter, Kathryn Ann Rasmussen; brothers Robert and Phillip Reeb; a son in law, Thomas Rasmussen; and her parents-in-law, Emma and Frederick Jackson. She is survived by her children, Sharon (Hugh) Curry, Sandra (Sie) Meadows, and Frederick ( Monica ) Jackson; grandchildren, Linda (Craig) Willis, Mark (Elizabeth) Curry, Linette (Donald) Cilla, Todd Meadows, Lisa Rollis, Leah (Jerry) Williams, Christopher Jackson, and Adrian Jackson; great-grandchildren, Bryan Willis, Carolyn Willis, Ashley Willis, Shannon Willis, Josh Thompson, Brianna Meadows, Corey Meadows, Derrick J. Cilla, Zackery Rollis, Calvin Curry, Carter Curry, Lorelai Williams, and Harlow Williams; and one great-great-granddaughter, Kaitlynn Thompson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 12, 2011, at The Osgood Funeral Home, 104 East Cass St, St. Johns, with Rev. David Hudgens officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 11, 2011, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Please visit Erma's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/72657 where you may share a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guest register.