"For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." (Psalm 84:10)

Mary Magdelene Grooms Jackson at the age of 93 years, 9 months and 13 days, took flight to her heavenly home on the wings of an angel at 1:20 am on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, from Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Paducah, Kentucky. There to meet her with open arms were her husband, Sylvester "Babe" Jackson, Sr.; her parents, Lemuel Grooms and Ruby Keel Grooms; two sons, Don E. Jackson and William Z. Jackson; and her five siblings.

Mary was born the youngest of six children in Princeton, Kentucky on May 28, 1921, and then at an early age moved with her family to Paducah, Kentucky. Mary at the age of 12 in 1923, feeling the need for a personal Savior in her life, began her Christian journey by professing a hope in Christ and then joining Harrison Street Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral guidance of Reverend J. M. Stevenson. During her walk with the Lord, Mary worked diligently in all areas of the church including being a member of the Ladies' Bible Class, a member of both the Mother's Board and the Deaconess Board, and serving on the Pulpit Committee. She also held various church offices including both President and Secretary of the Senior Usher Board, Secretary for the Baptist Workers, Vice-President of the Senior Missionary Society, Treasurer of the Senior Citizen Banquet and Secretary of the Circle 2 Mission. Her love for her church kept her strong and continuously working for the Lord.

On July 19, 1947, Sylvester Jackson and Mary Grooms took their vow of love, "Til Death Do Us Part", in Paducah, Kentucky at Harrison Street Missionary Baptist Church in the presence of Edward Larson and Frances Larson. To this union six children were born.

Mary or "Mother Jackson" as she was so lovingly called, was a great home-maker who always helped make sure her family was cared for to the best of ability. Named and Honored as both a "Duchess of Paducah" and "Miss Harrison Street", Mother Jackson also received many other honors and recognitions from the city and community. She enjoyed working both word search and crossword puzzles, putting piece puzzles together and then gluing them on background for display, quilting, and walking, oftentimes walking more than many quite younger than she. Mary was a mother to many neighborhood children from way back, being a loving mother to all. She loved her grandchildren, never had a cross-word with anyone, and most importantly, kept her cool and never lost her temper. To her daughter-in-law, Sandra Jackson, "Mother Mary Magdalene Grooms Jackson" was the greatest mother-in-law anyone could possibly have.

She leaves to cherish and honor her legacy:

3 Sons
Sylvester (Sandra) Jackson, Jr.; Paducah, KY
Perry A. (Becky) Jackson; Litchfield, IL
Willie Jones; Paducah, KY

4 Daughters
Bobby Hill; Paducah, KY
Gwendolyn (George) Anderson; Cincinnati, OH
Jshonette Meade; Milwaukee, WI
Arneice Hollowell; Paducah, KY

11 Grandchildren – Several Great-Grandchildren and
Great Great-Grandchildren

Several Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and a Wide Circle of Friends.

Mary Magdalene Grooms Jackson's presence and unconditional love for her family, church, and friends will be missed and cherished by all who knew and loved her.

Her presence, charm, and love for family and friends will be forever etched on the minds of all who knew and loved her.