Maria Sidia Jackson

>>> >>> Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Maria Sidia Gracia Jackson, has entered eternal rest on Friday, May 17th. Mom was born on August 1, 1929 and lived a long full life as she passed at the age of 94. She was a descendent of one of the founding families of Penitas, Texas as her grandfather, Sylvestre Villarreal settled in the town in 1830. She is preceded in death by the love of her life of 49 years, Alberto Jackson, Jr., her eldest son Albert (Jack) and infant daughter Ernestina. Left to cherish her loving memory are her children Elva (Fred R. Garza); Oscar (Graciela); Diane (Frank S. Pacheco); Sylvia; Luz (Rosa) and daughter-in-law Elva V. Jackson. She is also survived by her brother Arturo Gracia of Penitas. She was the very best and most caring grandmother to her 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. They each brought her so much joy and happiness to her life. >>> Even though she was raising six children, Mom was an extraordinary woman who worked all her life. She enjoyed a long career with Williamson Dickies in McAllen and worked with the La Joya school district for over 25 years. Upon retirement, she became a small business owner of Jackson’s Store, in partnership with our Dad. > >>> Throughout her lifetime, her family was her priority. As we were growing up, Mom made sure we all went to church and made our First Communion, she would make it a point to go to our open houses at school and attended our school functions as best she could. She was our personal driving instructor teaching us how to drive, with a standard pick up, no less. Some of our happiest moments were being together at the ranch. > >>> Mom had a very light spirit with a positive outlook and as a result, she was a people magnet. She never met a stranger whether at home in the Valley or during her many travels across the country. With her warm demeanor, she made new friends quickly. As her children, we ensured she had the best life possible and that she was happiest during her golden years. Mom enjoyed listening to conjunto and mariachi music; playing bingo with the family because she always won and coloring her beautiful Easter egg creations. >>> >>> We will always cherish the many, many memories that she leaves us with. She loved to capture the moment and smile at the camera so thankfully, we have hundreds of photos to keep her memory alive for our future generations. >>> Our deepest gratitude, appreciation and love for our beloved sister Sylvia who has devoted her life to our parents and was Mom’s caregiver and constant companion, especially during the past 6 years. She has taken the utmost care of Mom over the past 7 months of her life when Mom needed her the most. We will be eternally grateful for her care, love and companionship she gave wholeheartedly to our mother. Special thanks to her grandsons Scott and Little Martin for their willingness to keep her company, play guitar for her and make her smile. >>> >>> Having the honor of serving as pall bearers are her grandsons Eric Jackson, Stephen Pacheco, Scott Jackson, Vincent Pacheco, Fred Garza and Phil Alvarez. >>> >>> Funeral services are under the direction of L& I Funeral Home in Penitas, Texas. The Celebration of Life Thursday May 23, 2024 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Holy Rosary will be held on Thursday May 23, 2024 at 7:00 pm >>> Memorial mass is at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in La Joya Friday 24, 2024 at 11:00 am followed with an internment services at the historic Penitas Cemetery at 12:00pm .

Maria Sidia Jackson

August 1, 1929 - May 17, 2024