Mrs. Estella Jackson
Mrs Estella Jackson
Celebrating Faith, Family and Friends
A person who is 100 years old is called a centenarian. I t is the title Mrs. Estella Jackson of Peoria earned on December 12, 2025. Estella Gordon was born in Mississippi to Benjamin and Mallie (Fox) Gordon. She is the only survivor of 12 children. Mrs. Jackson moved to Peoria a t the age of 19 with her husband Dave Jackson Sr. They parented 13 children. Six boys: Charles, Dave Jr., Willie, Randy, Richard and Sam. Seven girls: Christine, Celie, Estella, Mallie, Mary, Linda and Rose. Rev. Jackson died i n 1982. Four children are deceased and two pre-born deaths. Her current family expands to great-great-great grandchildren. She is included with the six living generations. The third to the sixth generations from her 13 children total 144. She has a host of nieces and nephews. She continues to lead the annual family gathering that began i n 1981 and includes Gordon and Jackson relatives.
Being a wife and mother was her dual focus for many years. She was strong in those roles. Many people i n the Peoria area first met her through her shared responsibilities with her husband i n operating the Jackson Barber Shop for 30 years. The barber shop was located in the basement o f their home on Peoria's south side.
The couple shared church leadership as a deacon and a deaconess. When Deacon Jackson became Rev. Jackson and served as a missionary minister for the Central Illinois District Baptist Association, she joined him in his travels around Peoria and out of town. She has been a member of St. Paul Baptist Church for 80 years and is known as 'Sister' and 'Mother' Jackson. She is the oldest and longest member at the church. She spent 40 years leading children and youth ministry. She organized the Sunshine Band children's ministry and was faithful for many years in gathering neighborhood children for Vacation Bible School. Her youth ministry extended into Central Illinois District Baptist Association. She was an active parent with the Lincoln Grade School Parent and Teacher Association. She was recently recognized b y the Peoria Police Department for her inspiration and vision of the "Know More, N o More" billboard campaign to reduce gun violence.
Life Reflections and Defining Moments
Parenting - Love that child. Every child i s different. Everything will be okay if that child knows that you love them. Children are different today. You have no problems when children are respectful. Today children don't show enough respect for their parents. Teach your child to respect you and you will have no problems. It doesn't take a lot to raise many children when you have the right husband. I loved cooking big meals and getting the children ready for school.
Marriage - Everybody's marriage is different. It's not hard when you marry the right man. To have a good marriage you have t o put your husband first, let him lead. M y husband was a Christian man, and he helped a lot with the children.
Widowhood - Being a widow you have to have faith i n the Lord. Let Him help you get through. Sometimes things are not clear. God has watched over me and has kept me i n my sound mind. I have no problems
Ministry - The Lord led and guided me on how t o do children's ministry. I knew nothing about it. Pastor Abott told me to do it my way, and I did with the Lord. If had to g o back in life, I would go back to the children and youth ministry. Those 40 years of ministry gave me a beautiful life.
What's important in life? The Lord is important. He's almighty. Simply, He's my all and all. I put all my faith i n Him because o f the love H e has for me. The Lord is good. All I know is His grace and mercy.
Historic Moment - It made me so happy to see President Obama. I never thought I would be able to see a black president.
How do you sum up 100 years? - I say rejoice. The beginning of life was good. I am more challenged recently with trials and tribulations. However, I can't complain.
At this time in my life, I'm not trying to change anything. As far as the world, I would like t o see people love one another more. That would be something to enjoy.
Going Forward- I know I will not live another 100 years. I look forward to enjoying\ the Lord. Life can b e easy; life can be hard. Let the Lord lead and guide you. I've enjoyed where I've been. I know where I'm going. Hallelujah!
