Eva Jackson

Eva Vernell Oates Jackson was born on August 22, 1929, in Graham, Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, and passed on October 28, 2025, in Dallas, Texas at the age of 96. She was preceded in death by her husband Cecil Ray Jackson, daughter Nancy Ruth Boyd, son James Carrolll Jackson, both her parents and her 4 siblings.
She is survived by her seven grandchildren and their families: grandson, Jonathan Treavor Jackson and wife Amanda and their children James and Jonathan; granddaughter, Karlei Renee Austin and her children Abigail, Iris and Greyson; grandson, Daniel Bradley Jackson and wife Aleesa Jackson, and their children Xayne and Konnor; grandson, Donavan Ray Jackson, and partners Becca and Katie, and his child Kira; granddaughter, Darcie Ann Whalen and husband Corey, and their children Kayleigh, Zoe and Ian; grandson, James Lucas Boyd and wife Bethany, and their children Nathan, Corra, Autumn and Willow; grandson, Jacob Michael Boyd; as well as son- in-law Michael Boyd, estranged daughter-in-law Lisa Jackson, numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.
Eva Vernell, Mamaw, or Mrs. Jackson, married Cecil Ray Jackson on November 12, 1955, in Rockwall, Texas. They welcomed two children into their lives, Nancy in 1956 and James in 1960. She was a United States Air Force Veteran, wife, mother, teacher, cook, seamstress and doting Mamaw and Great Grandma to the extensive family she left behind when she went to meet her beloved Lord and Savior last week.
Eva grew up in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky where she met her husband during their time serving in the US Air Force and together, they moved to Texas where she would raise her family and live for the remainder of her life. Despite living across the country from where she was born and raised, they would often return to her hometown. Her children spent summers there and as her family grew to include grown children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She would return most every year to visit her large extended family and attend the family reunions. She could most often be found tending to the fire, cooking for the dozens of family members who were gathered together or playing cards or chicken foot with family and friends.
Eva was a strong woman of faith and a backbone of her family and church community for most of her life and loved nothing more than being surrounded by her ever-growing family and serving them, and anyone else who happened to be around her infamous southern cooking. No one was ever a stranger at Mrs. Jackson's table. She'd welcome you and your family with open arms anytime a meal was being served and ensured leftovers were given in a recycled butter container for later.
She loved cooking and sharing her secrets in the kitchen with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Many happy childhood memories were made with her in the moment, whether it was a Saturday morning where she'd make biscuits from scratch or a large holiday meal she was preparing for the whole family or just a regular Tuesday when one of us asked to learn how to make something new, she was always at home in the kitchen with her family.Eva was also a beloved teacher for many years at the Mesquite Christian Academy where she fed and helped the children of the school daily.
She taught anyone who asked how to sew and mend their clothes, she grew up at a time when you didn't just trash something because of a small hole or lost button and tried to instill that same value in those she loved. When her grandchildren were young, she'd give them little embroidery instructions and projects when the days were cold and dreary or when boredom could not be fought off. We would sit with her in her sewing room as she worked on large, stunning quilts and happily stitch away on the small projects she gave to us feeling like we were helping her create something truly special.
With her husband by her side, they would volunteer at their local retirement home, going there multiple times a week to visit, share meals and offer their service to the staff and residents anywhere they were needed. It brought her great joy to have her grandsons' Boy Scout troops and granddaughter's Girl Scout troops come through the halls to sing carols during the holidays and spears joy to the residents. She had a true spirit of service that was noticeable in all that she did for others during her time here on earth.
Eva will be greatly missed by all who have had the opportunity to know her during her time here on Earth, but we can take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and home with her Heavenly Father and the family who went before her. We will cherish her memory and the times we shared with her fondly as we mourn; knowing she lived a long, fruitful life and left a lasting legacy in this world through her warmth, acts of service and the love she shared with her family and friends.
Those serving as casket bearers include Treavor Jackson, Luke Boyd, Karlei Austin, Daniel Jackson, Donavan Jackson, and Jake Boyd.