Jean Helen Jackson

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, surrounded by her family, Jean Helen Jackson (Garnett), age 89, received her wings and made a peaceful transition into the loving presence of the Lord.

She was born on January 12, 1936, in Owen County, Kentucky, to Willie and Ora Lillie Davis Garnett. As one of eight children, Jean learned the importance of hard work, looking out for family, and trusting God through every season of her life.

Jean moved from Kentucky to Indiana as a young woman. She arrived with little more than faith, courage, and a willingness to work hard, and she never stopped believing she could build a fuller life. She enrolled in the Madame C.J. Walker College of Beauty Culture in Indianapolis and graduated with the 1963 class. During her time there, Jean was honored as Miss Walker Queen, an award given to an outstanding student who represented excellence in beauty culture, professionalism, and character.

Being a beautician was more than a job for Jean. It was her gift. After completing her training, she opened a beauty shop that was attached to her home. Her hands were blessed with skill and her spirit made people feel at ease. She believed every person deserved to feel beautiful, and she took pride in helping them leave her chair with confidence and joy.

Jean's work as a beautician made her a trailblazer in Miami County. During a time when Black women had very limited options for hair care, she opened her shop and quietly changed what was possible. Black girls and women found more than a hairstyle there. They found someone who understood them and celebrated who they were. People traveled from near and far to experience her care and talent.

As a young woman, Jean began the journey of raising the family that would become her pride and joy. Some of her children she brought into the world, and others came into her life through marriage, but she cherished the blessing and responsibility of caring for each one. This open-hearted way of loving led many to call her "Mom Jackson." Her home was a place where children were nurtured and where people found encouragement, a listening ear, and a safe place to land.

One of the ways Jean expressed her love was through cooking. Thanksgiving at her home became a treasured tradition, and she took great joy in preparing the meal each year. Her peach cobbler was her signature dish that everyone looked forward to. Even as age made hosting more difficult, the memory of those gatherings remained a lasting reminder of the love she poured into her family.

Later in life, Jean spent more than ten years working at Heraeus Electro-Nite before retiring. She was a dependable worker, steady and committed, and she carried herself with the same quiet determination that shaped all areas of her life.

Jean enjoyed many simple pleasures, but nothing brought her more joy than being surrounded by her family. The babies and small children were her heart. Their curiosity, their little giggles, and the new things they learned always tickled her. On holidays, she prepared goodie bags for them, making sure every child left with a treat and a smile. She enjoyed tending to her plants and keeping herself looking good, with her hair and nails always done just right. And then, there were her soaps. She watched them faithfully for decades, talking back to the screen, laughing at the storylines, and shaking her head at the characters like they were old friends. Sitting with her and watching her soaps became a tradition passed down through generations.

Jean was a lifelong member of Wayman AME Church in Peru. She worshiped there and raised her children under the prayers, guidance, and fellowship of her church family. As the years went on and she could no longer attend in person, her faith remained strong. She was grateful for the prayers, calls, and visits from her church family.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and family. Now that her earthly journey is complete, we take comfort in knowing that she has gone home to be with the Lord she served so faithfully.

Jean is survived by her brother, James (Rose) Garnett, sisters Pauline Killion, Regina Lee, and Bessie Lee; her beloved children Patricia (Stan) McCroy, Tracey Sykes, Tamara Redd, and Cicily (Kenneth) Jackson Snow; her grandchildren, John Pugh, Johnene (Brian) Hawkins, Amber Pugh, Tahnee Green, Kendall McCroy, Patrick (Trista) Green, Kyran Jackson, Kerrion Ross, Keshawn Ross, JohnAdam (Karlee McBride) Jackson, Donnie Sykes, Britt (Charlie) Redd, and Edward Redd; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and many others who loved her.

Preceding her in death are parents; her sons, James Jackson and William Abbey; daughters, Piper Jackson and Diane Pugh; her brother, Claude Garnett; and her sisters, Lou Francis Garnett and Berta Gayle.

Visitation will be held from 1pm to 2pm on Wednesday, November 17, 2025 at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street Peru, Indiana. A funeral will follow at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the funeral home to offset funeral expenses.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.