Rosella Jackson Obituary

Rosella Jackson
July 6, 1948 - June 12, 2014
Resident of Oakland, California
Rosella Jackson passed away peacefully at home on June 12, 2014. She is survived by her loving husband Michael Wayne Jackson, O.D., her sons Michael Wayne Jackson II and Bryan Lawrence Jackson, her daughter-in-law Oom Jackson, and her granddaughter Syam Jackson.
Rosella graduated with a bachelors degree in philosophy from the University of California at Berkeley and a masters degree in education from the California State University East Bay. She was an educator with the Oakland Unified School District for 36 years, and received many professional awards and honors during her career. She was recipient of the school district's first annual "Educational Leadership Award" in 2007. Rosella was principal at Grass Valley Elementary School in Oakland for 10 years prior to her retirement in 2011.
Rosella grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is the daughter of Evelyn Lewis Propps (Charles Propps), who resides in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota and Edward Reed (who preceded her in death), and step-father Vander Lewis (who also preceded her in death). She is survived by her siblings Gregory Everett Lewis (Eve Hershcopf), Jeffrey Reed Lewis (Tanya Bransford), Vanessa Lewis Payne (Steve Payne), Victor Brian Lewis, and step-sisters Margaret Lewis Crocker and Charlotte Lewis Williams. She was preceded in death by her brother Vander Lewis, Jr.
Rosella loved to travel, she was a wonderful cook, and she was well known for hosting elegant, intimate gatherings, as well as large, exuberant affairs. Since her diagnoses with pancreatic cancer just over a year ago, Rosella often remarked that she's "had a wonderful life." Throughout her life she shared her warm, boundless love of life with a wide number of friends, family, and colleagues, who will miss her dearly.
The family will hold a private memorial service.
The family requests no flowers, but asks that any donation be made in Rosella's memory to the Evan Ahrendt Fund, 3213 Stone Valley Road, Alamo, CA 94507.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Inside Bay Area News on Jun. 24, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Rosella Jackson

Sponsored by East Bay Times.

10 Entries

Vick & Rajleen Arora

July 24, 2014

Rest In Peace Mrs. Jackson. My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time.

Toni Woodard

July 5, 2014

RIP Rose and thanks for the memories friend.

July 3, 2014

My dear LITES colleague, It was an honor to work with Rosella at LITES. I'll always remember her smile and laughter as we planned LITES events around her kitchen table. She was always positive , hardworking, and joyful. May her spirit soar to the heavens.

Prayers to the family,
Carol Pancho

Marilyn Thomas

June 28, 2014

My condolences to her family. RIP Rosella Jackson. I worked with her at OUSD.

William Lattimore

June 25, 2014

Ms. Jackson was my kindergarten teacher, all these years and I've never forgotten her. My thoughts are with her and her family.

Yuriel Young

June 25, 2014

I had the pleasure of enjoying Mrs. Jackson as my kindergarden teacher! She left a long lasting impression on my heart! Sad to hear that she is no longer her but over joyed because I know she is in a better place.

LaVerne Watkins

June 24, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. No more suffering. May she rest in peace with The Lord.

Hassan Brothers

June 24, 2014

One of the first ladies who taught me how to count and read. Mrs. Jackson was truly a special woman and teacher. I will never forget the encouragement you always gave me in grade school and the caring you showed me as your student. I will most certainly miss you and that wonderful smile that always gave me the courage to do better and never give up on counting to 30 and writing some of my first words. Thank you so much for being apart of my life. R.i.p Mrs. Jackson.

Dhameera Ahmad

June 24, 2014

My Dearest Friend,
Thank you for the wonderful friendship. You brought out the best in me and our retirement years together were the best days of my life.
You did a wonderful job! May God reward you for your generosity , compassion and devotion to humanity.

Durwin Brown

June 24, 2014

So saddened this am to find out that someone who has served as my mentor, supervisor, and friend has passed. Mrs. Jackson had a running joke about "wishing I'd stop following" her around the Oakland Unified School District schools over the years. We first met at Grass Valley Elementary when she was my lil sisters Kindergarten teacher. I was a 5th grade student she was a 1st year teacher and we both were new to the school. Many years later I became an employee of OUSD and she was my supervisor/principal at John Swett Elementary were I began my career as educator serving as an Academic Mentor/middle school football coach. A few years after that ironically we BOTH came full circle BACK at Grass Valley Elementary where she was now the principal and I was coaching for the City of Oakland. She always supported my academic and personal endeavors. She was more excited when I showed her my CAL Berkeley acceptance letter than I was! I've never met a nicer more supportive woman in my life. Her laugh, deep dimpled smile, and dedication to the youth will always reside in my heart. I don't mourn our giants in the community for too long because I know I'm charged with continuing their work. Rise In Power Mrs. Jackson!

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