Elder Laura Retta Jackson

Laura Retta Louise Jackson was the youngest of nine children, born on March 10, 1939, to George Marcus Porter and Mary Ellen Gross Porter of Falmouth, Kentucky.

After the birth of her son, Mike, she moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior under the spiritual leadership of Rev. Richard T. and Mother Effie Samuels. In time, she met her husband, the late Rev. Simon M. Jackson. Together they later moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and were blessed with three daughters: Mildred, Mary, and Faith.

She and her husband devoted their lives to serving the Lord, reaching their community for Christ, and caring for those in need. Rev. Jackson pastored the Firstborn Church of the Living God in Newport, Kentucky, where the church became known for evangelizing and canvassing neighborhoods until his health declined. They later joined another Firstborn Church in Covington, Kentucky, under the leadership of the late Pastors Jack and Willa Mae Ross. It was there that her ministry grew, and she answered the call to preach the gospel, eventually being ordained.

Elder Jackson, affectionately known as "EJ," lived a holy and devoted life, faithfully attending church, giving, teaching, preaching, and equipping others to be faithful disciples of Christ. Through her dedication to biblical truth and service, she was appointed District Missionary for the Kentucky/Tennessee District, serving faithfully for more than a decade. She later became Assistant Pastor of The Miracle Temple Community Church (formerly the Firstborn Church), where she served Pastor Willa Mae Ross, and then continued under Apostle Richard Ross and Co-Pastor Dr. Tracey Ross, until her health declined.

Elder Jackson was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt who dearly loved her family. Her mission in life was to share the gospel of grace, love, and the power of the Holy Spirit with her family and community. She was a counselor, a confidant, and a prayer warrior who interceded passionately on behalf of others. Many knew her as "the deep freezer" because once you confided in her, your trust was never broken-your secrets remained safe, and your needs were lifted up in prayer. Truly, she was a woman of intercession and unwavering faith.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Simon Jackson; daughter, Mildred Estella Jackson; brothers, Samuel Porter (Falmouth, KY), Ollie Porter (Cynthiana, KY), Ben Henry Porter (Cynthiana, KY), and Moses Porter; sisters, Dorothy Johnson (Covington, KY), Betty Lewis (Woodbury, KY), Mary Ella Selena Horton (Cincinnati, OH), and Dora Porter (Covington, Ky).

She leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Mike Vernon Porter; daughters, Mary Jackson Carman and Faith Jackson; her adopted sister, Patricia Campbell; grandsons, Lafel Porter, Tramell Jackson, Christopher Jackson, Daylen Jackson, Jackson Carman, Victor Carman, and grand daughters, Laura Rodgers (Carlos), and Shayla Porter; great-grandchildren, Damarya and E'layjon and two angels born sleeping, Carley and Robert. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, church family, co-workers, and friends who will continue to celebrate her life and legacy.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 11:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

She will be laid to rest at Walnut Hills Cemetery, 3117 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Jackson family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Jackson family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.