Melba J. Jackson

Celebrating the Life of Melba June Jackson

Melba, 95, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, faith, and generosity that touched all who were blessed to know her.

Born on August 18, 1930, Melba lived through nearly a century of change, yet remained steadfast in the things that mattered most: her devotion to God and family, her church, her generous spirit, and her remarkable ability to make anyone feel welcome and a part of the family.

Melba retired from General Motors and was a devoted homemaker who raised three beautiful children (Eric, Carletta and Debbie). Her legacy extended far beyond her immediate family. She served faithfully as a missionary, a prayer warrior and led the Home and Foreign Mission with dedication and grace. As the daughter of one of the church's original eight founding members, she later became the oldest member of Maddox Memorial COGIC, formally known as Temple of Faith COGIC. During her many years of service, she worshiped under the leadership of Elder Louis G. Maddox, Elder Aaron Williams Sr., and Elder Aaron Williams Jr.

Blessed with an impeccable memory, Melba served as the family historian, remembering every birthday and preserving the stories of generations. She could recount family journeys with perfect detail, weaving the past into the present in a way that made history feel alive. To her, there was no such thing as a stranger. She possessed a gift for connection that was almost majestic, often running into people she had met in different parts of the country, a true testament to the lasting impact she made wherever she went.

A woman of many talents, Melba was especially known for her legendary pound cakes and sweet potato pies, which were the centerpiece of many gatherings. In earlier years, she lovingly tended vegetable gardens and nurtured tulips, her favorite flower. She was a skilled bargain hunter who enjoyed thrift stores and secondhand shopping. She also loved to travel, whether on cruises, attending annual church events, or visiting family across the country.

Strong-willed yet gentle, Melba had quiet strength that held her family together through difficult times and a sense of humor that could lighten any moment. She was wise and full of traditional values. Though always a good listener, she was known for offering her honest opinion. Fiercely independent and determined, she never allowed age to limit her. She continued driving, cutting grass, and tending to yard work well into her 90s, until she could no longer do so.

Those who knew her will remember Melba as a giver with a servant's heart, a woman of honesty and integrity who made others feel seen, valued, and capable. She had a gift for recognizing potential in others and encouraging them to stand firmly in their decisions. As the family historian, she preserved truth and kept the record straight. Black and white, with no gray area. That was simply who she was.

She took an active role in helping to raise her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, watching their lives unfold with pride and unconditional love.

Melba is survived by her daughters: Carletta Allen of Mansfield, Ohio and her daughter and devoted caregiver, Debbie Jackson of Mansfield, Ohio; grandchildren: Pierre (Terra) Jackson, Antoinette Jackson, Jamaica (Joseph) Foster, Curtis Jackson; Trina (Danny) Brown and Eric Jackson Jr.; and Ciara (Brandon) Thomas; great-grandchildren: Andrew Jackson, Andrea Elliott, Adreanna Jackson, Tianna Jackson, Arianna Jackson, Tyzaireah Osborne, Samairah Jackson and Rayshawn Allen, and Nakhia Allen; 9 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Zeb and Hattie Majors; her beloved son, Eric Jackson; her brothers, Thomas James Majors and Ralph Majors Sr.; and her sisters, Hannah Benford, Hattie Burrell, Cordelia Davis, and Flossie Reynolds.

SERVICES:

Family Gathering: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Werner-Gompf Funeral Services Social Hall, 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, Ohio, 44905. The family invites friends to join them for a time of fellowship and remembrance.

Second Family Gathering: Thursday, January 8, 2026 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Melba's daughter Carletta Allen's home. Please reach out to family for details.

Public Calling Hours (Visitation): Friday, January 9, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Maddox Memorial COGIC, 1148 Walker Lake Road, Mansfield, Ohio, 44906.

Celebration of Life Service: Friday, January 9, 2026 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Maddox Memorial COGIC, 1148 Walker Lake Road, Mansfield, Ohio, 44906.

Interment: Mansfield Cemetery, 389 Altamont Avenue Mansfield, Ohio, 44903.

Arrangements entrusted to Werner-Gompf Funeral Services.

Flowers are welcome. For additional information, please contact the family at (419) 405-5531.