Ella Louise (Simon) Jackson

Mrs. Ella Louise (Simon) Jackson, affectionately known as “Aunt El Lou” and “Mother Ella,” was born on July 25, 1939, in Franklin, Louisiana, to Edward Louis Simon and Lou Ella (Dickerson) Simon. She was the seventh of ten children. Her family later relocated to Beaumont, Texas, where Ella was educated through the Beaumont Public School System. She graduated from Hebert High School in 1957.

After high school, Ella fell in love and married her one and only boyfriend, August Jackson Sr., in 1959. Their union was blessed with four sons: August Jackson Jr. (deceased), Dan O. Jackson, Marvin D. Jackson, and Lester T. Jackson.

Ella was baptized at an early age and developed a deep and lifelong love for the Lord and worship. At just eleven years old, she learned to play the piano and later served as the pianist at West Beulah Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas.

When her husband was stationed at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma, the family relocated there and attended Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. Ella served faithfully as the church pianist and established the Male Chorus. After her husband’s military service was completed, the family moved to Houston, Texas, where they joined Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Banks. Ella served as a choir member and later became the pianist for the choir and the Baptist Training Union.

In 1976, the family joined Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend W. E. Powell, and currently, Reverend Terry K. Anderson. Ella was appointed Chair of the Church Anniversary Board and later served as Youth Director for approximately ten years. She was also a faithful choir member until her passing. Throughout the years, she served in the Mission under Mary Circle, Seniors on the Move, and as a Deaconess. Her faith, service, and dedication to her church family were an important part of her life and legacy.

Ella also had a passion for medicine and caring for others. After raising her family, she returned to school and attended Alvin Junior College, ultimately becoming a Registered Nurse. Following graduation, she began her nursing career at Park Plaza Hospital, where she worked in the Critical Care Unit for more than twenty years. Her dedication to nursing reflected the same compassion, strength, and love for others that she demonstrated throughout her life.

Outside of her work and church service, Ella enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She loved creating beautiful silk and floral arrangements, cooking, traveling, and spending precious time with her great-grandchildren, Kodi and Jackson Mills. She also enjoyed her trips to the casino and making memories with family and friends.

Ella’s life was one of faith, love, service, strength, and devotion to her family. She touched countless lives through her kindness, her music, her nursing career, her church service, and the love she so freely gave to those around her.

Sister Jackson, Aunt El Lou, Mother Ella, and Mom was preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty-two years, August Jackson Sr.; her son, August Jackson Jr. (survived by wife Shenice); her parents, Edward and Lou Ella Simon; her brothers, Edward “Bruh” Simon Jr., Benjamin “Benny” Simon, Arthur James “Mike” Simon, and Allen Simon; her sister, Gracie Mae Tolbert; and her daughter-in-law, Karen Jackson (survived by husband Marvin).

She leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Dan O. Jackson, Marvin D. Jackson, and Lester T. Jackson; her brother, Williard J. “Dub” Simon; her sisters, Catherine Whittington, Winnie Marie Laday (A. J.), and Mary Helen Salsmon (Charles); eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Though she is no longer with us in body, the love she gave, the lives she touched, the music she shared, and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Her legacy of faith, family, love, and service will forever be cherished.