Mary Ann DeRuso

1942 - 2021

Mary Ann Jackson DeRuso, 79, of Iowa, La, departed her earthly home on May 23, 2021, in her residence. Mary Ann was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana on May 2, 1942, the first born of 12 children to Mr. Neal H. Jackson, Sr. and Mrs. Gertrude Stevens-Jackson.

Mary Ann was a lifelong resident of Iowa, La. Mary Ann was a 1960 graduate of Washington High School. She was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ at the age of 12 and was a member of Zion Travelers Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Herman Weston where she received the Holy Ghost. Mary worked diligently in the church as a member of the choir, an usher, the Matron Circle, BTU Teacher, and organized the youth fellowship where she hosted many activities and outings for the children of the church. She loved everyone but had a calling to work with children and they loved her. She was known for her green thumb and loved planting beautiful flowers and plants. In 1995, Mary Ann united with Refuge Temple Ministries. She was an active member of the Matured Women group and the choir.

Mary Ann was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Willie DeRuso. Mary Ann gave birth to five children. She worked in the food service industry for many years before staying at home with her children. She will always be remembered for her generous and kind spirit. There was never a time that she did not welcome anyone in for a hot meal and a good conversation.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Willie DeRuso; her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Neal Jackson Sr.; one daughter, Inga M. Beaudoin; two brothers, Neal Jackson, Jr. and Cleveland Jackson; two sisters, Shirley Marie Jackson and Sheila Jackson-Schexnayder; her beloved godparents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter (Ethel) Caesar; two brother in-laws, Howard Johnson, Sr. and Robert L. Lewis.

She leaves to cherish her memories, two daughters and their husbands, Belinda F. Sias (Joseph Michael) and Caron G. Thomas (Donald) both of Iowa, LA; two sons and their wives, Curtis Goodwin, Jr., (Margo Charmaine) of Iowa, LA and David M. DeRuso, Sr., (Brandy) of Lake Charles, LA. She also leaves to cherish her memories five sisters, Patricia Johnson of Lake Charles, La, Priscilla Bevel (Glenn, Sr.), of Port Arthur, TX, Catherine Lewis of Iowa, La, Verina J. Berry (Bernard) of Lafayette, La, and Jocelyn Shields (Zachary) of Beaumont, TX; two brothers, Rickey Jackson (June) of Lake Charles, LA and Sherman D. Jackson of Iowa, LA. She also leaves 20 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, seven godchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and the Refuge Temple Ministries Church Family.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., and funeral service at 1:00 p.m., at King's Funeral Home. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery in Lacassine, LA, under the direction of King's Funeral Home.