Florence Evelyn Jackson

Flo was born on September 11, 1937 to the late Mary Susan and James Grady Whitfield in Jasper, Georgia. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband Reginald V. Jackson and her three brothers Sam Whitfield, Fred Whitfield, and Tom Whitfield.

After Flo graduated from Pickens County High School, she went on to study Chemistry and Math at the University of Georgia and received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Math. At the University of Georgia she was a member of Pi Mu Epsilon. Flo continued her educational journey at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Religious Education. During her studies at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Flo had the opportunity to demonstrate her strong faith by serving on student intern mission trips to Chicago, Illinois and Palo Alto, California. During her time in Kentucky, Flo also served as a volunteer Youth Director at Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Flo continued her education and went on to receive her Masters of Science in Education Degree from Georgia Southern University.

Flo began her career in Chemistry and research at Louisville General Hospital as a chemist in the Biochemistry Laboratory, and then as a research assistant at the University of Louisville. Her successful career in Chemistry led her to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention where she served as a chemist in the Toxicology Laboratory and the Biochemical Genetics and Metabolic Disorders Laboratory. During her career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Flo achieved many accomplishments and accolades to include coauthoring several published scholarly journal articles.

After a decorated career as a Chemist, Flo continued her journey as an Educator, passing on her love of science to many students over the years. She began her teaching career at Brunswick Christian Academy and continued her career at Oglethorpe Christian Academy, and finally enjoying a long and achievement filled career at McIntosh County Academy. During her career at McIntosh County Academy she was chosen numerous times as Star Teacher and served as the advisor to the cheerleaders. She also served as the advisor to the Beta Club and organized a Beta Club exchange program with a fellow Beta Club from Iowa. After her teaching career, Flo continued her passion for education serving multiple terms as a member of the McIntosh County Board of Education. Flo was also a longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star and served her community for many years as a devoted member of the Pilot Club.

Flo was a devout Christian woman, with strong faith and a love for sharing her faith in the Lord with others. She served her Calvary Baptist Church in many ways to include serving on numerous church committees. However, her greatest passion was teaching the Sojourners Sunday School class, where she was able to share her love of the Lord.

Flo is survived by her daughter Melodie Jackson Johnson (Tim) of Gulfport, Florida, her grandchildren Cody M. Strickland (Kailyn) of Darien, Georgia, Joseph M. Zimoski of Gulfport, Florida and Eli A. Johnson of Gulfport, Florida.; three great grandchildren Wyatt M. Strickland, Raelynn L. Asbell, and Cody. L. Strickland, a loving sister in law Mary Lou Byrd (Joe) of Darien, Georgia, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her cherished fur baby Shiloh.

The family will receive friends between 5-7 PM Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. The funeral service to celebrate her life will be at 11:00 AM Friday, March 11, 2022 at Calvary Baptist Church in Brunswick, Georgia with Dr. Don Spires and Dr. Bryan Whitfield officiating. The internment will follow the service at Saint Andrews Cemetery in Darien, Georgia. Pallbearers will be Cody Strickland, Joseph Zimoski, Grant Whitfield, Brad Whitfield, Brian Feeney, and Robert Ussery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Calvary Baptist Church in Brunswick, Georgia.

Edo Miller and Sons is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the register book and leave condolences for the family at www.edomillerandsons.com.