Mildred Helen Jackson

Mildred Helen Jackson, age 87, of Portland, Oregon, passed away on March 3, 2024. She was born on November 8, 1936, in Greenville, South Carolina, to the late Nathaniel and Grace Hagood. Mildred grew up in Port Henry, (upstate) NY, where she graduated from Port Henry High School. It was during her childhood that she met her future husband, Frederick Jackson, in Albany, New York, at the age of 8. They shared a deep connection and were married on October 16, 1957.

Mildred was a loving and devoted mother to her three children, Leon (Anthony), Anthony (Sandra), and Kimberly Hagood-Elliott (Demond). She cherished her role as a grandmother to her granddaughters, Sophia Baldino-Clarke (Phoenix) and Kimoni Elliott. She was a beloved sister to Mary Louise Langston and had a close bond with her nieces, nephews, other family, friends, and neighbors.

In her educational pursuits, Mildred attended Port Henry High School and went on to study Tax Accounting at Portland Community College where she earned a college degree. She excelled in her career, spending over 30 years as a maintenance dispatcher for the telephone company. She also worked for both the white and the yellow pages for many years, and later became a certified tax accountant. Mildred's expertise led her to teach tax preparation classes and serve as the president, vice president, and past president of the Oregon Society of Tax Consultants (OSTC).

Mildred was an active member of Grace Memorial Episcopal Church and served at various churches throughout Portland. Her faith was an essential part of her life, and she found solace and community within her church family.

Beyond her professional and religious commitments, Mildred had a passion for serving others. Alongside her husband Fred, she dedicated her time through helping to run a food pantry, at St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church, providing meals to the hungry. Mildred was also a dedicated supporter of the Imminent Ladies of Virtue (ILOV) as well as a member of The Order of the Eastern Star organization.

Mildred and Fred, together and individually, made a difference in the lives of young students by mentoring them, and taking them on college tours, at predominantly historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU’s). They both were also significantly involved with the Bridge Builders Academic Mentoring Program (BAMP), a partnership between a school of education in a Catholic university in the Northwest and a community-based rites of passage program for adolescent African American males.

Mildred and Fred enjoyed traveling across the country, with Alaska being their favorite destination. They embarked on four cruises to Alaska, creating cherished memories together. Millie, as she preferred to be called, also spent many years participating in worldwide travels with her husband and family, on her husbands’ various military assignments while he was in the Air Force.”

A memorial service will be held at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church to honor the life and legacy of Mildred Helen Jackson. She will be remembered for her selflessness, dedication to others, and unwavering love for her family, and community. Mildred's presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.