Theda Marie Jackson

Theda Marie Jackson, 96, of Piqua, Ohio, went home to be with her Lord on September 3, 2025, at 12:26 p.m. in Mechanicsburg, Ohio. She was born on June 23, 1929, at 6:10 a.m. in Canebrake, West Virginia, to the late Robert Clark Jackson and Eliza Frances Rose Jackson.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Carrie (Millard) McReynolds, Dorothy (Carl) Raby, Clara Fern Jackson, Paul (Stella) Jackson, Grace Lee Young, Iris "Tater" Jackson, Eldridge "Bud" (Minnie) Jackson, Coy (June) Jackson, Eva Fay Jackson, and Elizabeth "Betty" Fee; sons-in-law Cletis Thompson and Eddie Thompson; step-granddaughters Darlene O'Neal and Lynn Hughes; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Theda retired from Copeland Manufacturing in Sidney, Ohio, in 1999 after nearly 30 years of dedicated service. A lifelong servant of the Lord, Theda was a member of Central Baptist Church of Piqua, where she found joy and fellowship. Her faith was at the heart of everything she did, shaping the way she treated others and cared for her family. As a devout Christian, she lived her beliefs with quiet devotion-attending church faithfully, praying for those she loved, and demonstrating the principles of compassion and selflessness in every aspect of her life. This deep devotion to her faith was reflected in the way she lived each day-pouring love into everyone around her, both family and friends alike.
Theda had a remarkable gift for growing just about anything in her garden, and any visitor was likely to enjoy a plate of something delicious she had prepared in her cast iron skillets. Her kale greens, cube steak, and homemade butter biscuits with fresh tomatoes were legendary in our family, cherished by all who tasted them. When she wasn't cooking, she was crocheting-a hobby that was very near and dear to her heart. She turned colorful yarn into beautiful afghans and other handmade treasures, many of which continue to bring warmth and comfort to her loved ones today.
She is survived by her daughter, Donna Thompson; grandson, Jeff (Nikki) Thompson; step-granddaughter, Kim (Mike) Hudelson; great-grandchildren Cassie (Justin) Roberts, Arron Thompson, and Sidnee Thompson; great-great-grandchildren Ganon and Landon Roberts; special nieces and nephews Dale Jackson, Jack (Lisa) Jackson, Lois Jackson, Wayne (Virginia) Fee, and many others; as well as dear friends Janet Ferrell and Cheryl Gustafson.
Theda was an extraordinary woman whose life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and kindness. To her family, she was not only a mother and grandmother, but also a steady source of comfort and unconditional love. Her trust in God gave her strength, hope, and comfort, and we know that her steadfast faith carried her safely into eternal life with Him. She was one of the best people in this whole world and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Theda at 1:30pm on Saturday September 27,2025, at Melcher-Sowers Funeral Home in Piqua, Ohio with Pastor Nick Lee officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, in Piqua, OH. The family will receive friends on Saturday September 27,2025, from 12:30pm to 1:30pm at the funeral home.
Condolences and Loving Memories may be left for the family online at www.melcher-sowers.com.