VERA JACKSON

Dr. Vera R. Jackson  
November 13, 1957 - December 21, 2021  Dr. Vera R. Jackson entered into her eternal rest after a valiant battle with health challenges. The oldest of two children, Vera was born in Richmond, Virginia to Jesse N. Royster and Ruth Pinckney Royster. Though she grew up in Washington, DC, many of her most treasured childhood memories came from her time living with her maternal extended family in Charleston, SC. Dr. Jackson went on to obtain her masters and doctorate degrees in social work from Howard University. She married the love of her life, Wilbert, in 1983 and they were blessed with two children, Brandon and Anjelica, as well as Vera's stepdaughter, Tamika.  Dr. Jackson's life was marked by professional excellence and service to others. Throughout her career, she held positions as chief executive of several local, regional, and national organizations, authored multiple articles and books, served on Maryland's Higher Education Commission, and was a professional mentor to many. Dr. Jackson will be remembered as a woman of faith, whose love for Jesus was evident to all who knew her. She was ordained as a pastor at Hope Christian Church in 2002 where she served in various ministry roles over the years. Vera gave generously of her time and talents and was always ready to offer a word of encouragement or advice. Though her life was marked by many professional accolades, Vera often shared that her beloved family was her greatest accomplishment. Dr. Jackson was preceded in passing by her parents, Jesse and Ruth Royster, as well as many beloved uncles and aunts. She leaves to mourn her loss, cherish her memory, and continue her legacy, her loving and devoted husband, Wilbert L. Jackson; son, Brandon Jackson (Jenafer); daughter Anjelica Jackson Todd (Chris); stepdaughter, Tamika Smith (Darryl); brother, Ronn Royster (Arianna); sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, grandchildren, aunts, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.  A celebration of Dr. Vera Jackson's life will take place on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, MD. A viewing will be held at 10 a.m. with a funeral to follow at 11 a.m. www.jbjfh.com