Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home, Inc. | Quitman, GA

Obituary For Mother Marva Jackson

Child of God, Devoted Wife, Loving Mama, Mother of The Mount, MeMa (who don't play about her grandkids), Dedicated Educator, Memorable Mentor...these are just a FEW words that describe Marva Jenkins Jackson. She was well known in Cook County for her love of educating others and serving the community.

Marva Jenkins was born November 21, 1946 in Sparks, Georgia to the late Marvin James (M.J.) and Johnnie Mae Jenkins. She was the oldest of two daughters and with a military father, she was an army brat who traveled with her parents during her early years. Although Marva relocated to other states as a young girl, she joined Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church before leaving Sparks and served faithfully throughout her life. She resided in Virginia Beach, Virgina for a short time and then relocated to Richmond, Washington for two years. With the desire to return home while her father served in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War, they moved back to Sparks, GA. Education was very important to Marva and she thrived as a student at Cook County Training School. While at Cook County Training School, she was a very active student participating in the Tri Hi Y Club, President of Future Home Makers of America, President of the Honor Society, Vice President of the Senior Class, and was selected as the 1964 Homecoming Queen. During her matriculation at Cook County Training School she also became a gifted seamstress, a trade she picked up from her mother. She made her own suits and clothing, which led to her assisting and coordinating the annual home economics fashion shows with the head of the department.

She graduated in 1964 and was the class salutatorian.

Next, Marva attended Albany State College where she continued her academic success by remaining on the Dean's list until her graduation in 1968. Upon graduation, she started her teaching career in the Cook County School System. She taught manuscript and other subjects for several years, but her gift was teaching students how to read. Students entered her classroom reading several years below grade level, but Marva's dedication both to her students and profession resulted in many of them leaving her tutelage reading on or above grade level. Her talents were noticed by administrators and school leaders which led to Marva receiving several tutoring requests during the summer break and school year. Her dedicated service to shaping the young minds of Cook County students spanned a total of 55 years in various educational roles. She taught 34 years before retiring in 2002; however, Marva continued to serve students and served as a substitute teacher; returned to the classroom as a part time teacher for four years and ended her educational career as a substitute teacher at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year. Marva built relationships that influenced at least three or four generations of the community - if you talked to her students, you would discover that she not only taught their parents, but their grandparents, and great-grandparents as well!

On February 10, 1968, she married Earl Jackson and to this union, two daughters were born - Joy Javise and Danielle Deshawn. They were married 56 years, and one of their most memorable moments was the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary!

Marva's love for God was nurtured by her life-long membership at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church.

She sang in the Senior Choir, taught Sunday School, and served as the church secretary and mother of the church. She had a strong faith, loved praise and worship, and you often found her sharing her testimony, having a quick Bible lesson, or praying for her colleagues at work as well as other members of the community. Marva strengthened her ties to the community by joining Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Eta Omega Chapter in the Spring of 1987. Her membership allowed her to continue to "serve all mankind" as a faithful member of various committees. She also used her creativity to prepare crafts for regional conferences that garnered several awards for the chapter.

Marva Jenkins Jackson is survived by her husband, Earl Jackson, daughters Joy Jackson-Guilford and Danielle Durr; a supportive son-in-love who she affectionately called "Booly-Poo," Alexander Guilford; five grandchildren: Kiandra (Kia), Kendall, Joshua (Josh), Gabriel (Gabe), and Kaleb; one great-granddaughter, Saige Makenzie; sister, Suzette (Charles) Brown; special sister, Sonja (Forest) Buckles; two special brothers, William (BJ) Jackson (Carla) and Joseph (Jeanette) Thomas; five godsons; two goddaughters and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, May 31, 2024 at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Sparks, GA from 4PM-6PM.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11AM at the Adel Church of God Life Center, 9208 Val Del Road, Adel, GA 31620, with Pastor Ronnie Brinson, Jr., officiating. Burial will follow in the Sparks Cemetery. Visit the following link to view a livestream of the celebration.

Continue to keep the family in your daily thoughts and prayers.

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Guest Book

THE FIVE JEWELS: LINE SISTERS 1987 ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY INCORPORATED Soror Cynthia Castleberry #1 Soror Elizabeth Jackson #2 Soror Birdie M. Ephraim #3 Soror Tangula Wright $4 Soror Marva Jackson #5 Prayers!!!

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MY heart is aching!! Soror Marva Jackson, my Line Sister, JEWEL #5 WAS A SWEETHEART. Her spirit was gentle, warm,and loving as we pledged our Forever ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY INCORPORATED, SPRING 1987 PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY! SOROR Birdie M. Ephriam, JEWEL #3

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It's a very hard loss for Cook County. I could only hope and strive to be as well loved and respected as Mrs. Marva was. Prayers for all the family during this difficult time. Timmie Baker

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Our condolences to all of the family. May God be with you during this time. Sent with Love. Marva C Wilkins Charles W. Covington Tangela C. Hairston Egypt B. Covington Elijah Hairston

- Charles W. Covington

Sincere condolences to the family. Mrs. Jackson, my third grade teacher, did an awesome, phenomenal job teaching me. I'm forever grateful for that. Prayers for the family and friends.

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Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed says the Lord who has compassion on you. Please accept our condolences. Our prayer is that the God of Peace will comfort and keep you now and always. Sincerely, Mrs. Melvina T. Copeland and children, Kim, Danny, Victor, and Janice.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home, Inc. | Quitman, GA