Accepting the will of God, it is publicly shared the passing of Andrea Nicole Jackson, who entered eternity left this world peacefully on February 18, 2025, at the Youngstown campus of Mercy Health Medical Center. Born on July 20, 1981, to the union of Jimmie and Nadine Jackson, in Youngstown, Ohio, Andrea was a bright light in the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.

Andrea attended Woodrow Wilson High School and ultimately became an example of resilience, perseverance and determination for her children and others as she successfully obtained her high school graduate equivalency degree.

Andrea had a flair for life that was as colorful as her signature style. A true fashionista, she embraced her vibrant energy and positive vibes, always ready to share an uplifting word or a contagious laugh. Andera found comfort in the Lord and her faith which was nurtured at Evangel Assembly of God and Ebenezer Church of God in Christ.

Cooking was a passion she inherited from her mother—her fried chicken and homemade cheesecake were nothing short of legendary. In addition to her culinary talents, Andrea was a tech whiz, skilled with computers, and an avid fan of classic and current R&B—always ready to sing along to Brandi, Monica, Mary J. Blige or Yolanda Adams. Though she had an affinity for soulful tunes, she could never resist the rhythmic beats of rap.

Andrea loved creating and sharing crafts, especially her perchance for making scented candles. She loved and embraced her competitive spirit in family games of badminton, which was one of the events in the family’s Barcelona Games that is their version of the Olympics complete with laughter and love. Her admiration and support of her beloved Dallas Cowboys Football team was “not for play play!”

A loving mother to her children Hailei Jackson, Cayla Jackson, Taylor Jackson, James Jackson, Andrea’s greatest joy came from her children and her beloved grandsons Jeremiah, Cashton, Kiro, and Kaysin. These legacy bearers were her heart, and she poured every ounce of her vibrant spirit into nurturing and uplifting them.

She is cherished by her cherished siblings Christopher (Tameika) Thomas, Anthony Thomas, James (Marcella) Jackson, Michael Jackson and Antoinette Jackson, along with a score of family and friends who loved her dearly.

As she crossed the celestial sands, she was reunited with her beloved mother Nadine Jackson and joined the great cloud of witnesses, among them her grandparents Charles Bunn, Loretta Bates Bunn Carter, Alonzo Carter and Ocie Edmonds, great grandmother famed civil rights leader Daisy Bates, all awaiting the ultimate heavenly family reunion.

Andrea ascends to higher heights with love, as we cherish her vibrant spirit and the warmth she brought into our lives. As her life is celebrated, the Jackson Family invites the community to share in the remarkable journey of Andrea on Monday March 3, 2025, at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave, for the 10:00 am public viewing. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am with Pastor Ashawnte Cook-Phipps and Rev. Lewis Macklin participating as celebrants.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the beloved family of Andrea Nicole Jackson elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown OH 330.782.8500.

BLACK BUTTERFLY

To breathe
To be free
Never to hide
From who you are
What you are
How are you
But to appreciate the deepest part of your soul
That makes you feel whole

The darkest days have washed away into the forest of hate
Now you come to see
And recognize your beauty
From inside
You shine the brightest

Though, times are hard
Your strength keeps YOU going
Keeps YOU driven
Keeps YOU beautiful
Inside and out
Now, fly Black Butterfly fly
And don’t be afraid to fall
Because YOU are powerful
YOU are different
YOU escaped the nest
And transformed into the person YOU have been wishing to be

You’re a beautiful Black Butterfly
So why cry?
You’ve outgrown that stage of being afraid
It’s time to take that leap of faith
Into the darkest waters
Where they’re sharks still ready to attack
Ready to judge
Ready to depreciate your value to the world
So I ask…
Dear Lord, give me strength
Fight for me!
Fight for those scared to flock their wings!
As they run away from problems
Like it changes anything
So be proud
And scream aloud
That you are a Black Butterfly
Loved and appreciated

Life may NOT be what it seems
But we still smile
Through those grieving skies
We shall not live in lies
It is our time to shine
Because I love
Who I am
What I am
How I am
I am the darkest of those butterflies
I have the kindest heart around
I want that endless peace of mind
And to the eyes that still were blind
And didn’t recognize

I am the first Black Butterfly
The one who lived in a past that was full of sorrow
That now lays heavily on my back
Trying to breathe
To be free from all hate
Never to hide
From who you are
What you are
How are you
But, as I step out of the nest
I close my eyes and fly in the sky
Free as I could ever be
Black Butterfly
Arise