Tessie (Tess) Ruth Jackson

Tessie (Tess) Ruth Jackson, of Lubbock, TX died on April 28th, 2017 at University Medical Center in Lubbock. She was 75 years old. She was born on April 10th, 1942 in Temple, TX to Joe and Avis Dupree. Tess and her older sister, Marsha Rogers, grew up in Temple and often worked at their parent’s local grocery store – Dupree’s Grocery. She attended Temple High School, graduating with the class of 1960.

After high school, in 1962 Tess received an Associate in Arts Degree from Temple Junior College in Temple, TX. In 1964, Tess received a Bachelor of Arts Degree, graduating Magnum Cum Laude from Texas Wesleyan College in Ft. Worth, TX. Later, Tess served her country proudly in the United States Navy as an Ensign. She received a Degree from United States Naval Women Officer School in Officer Indoctrination in 1965 in Newport, RI. She also received the Honors Award at the US Naval Women Officer School for attaining the Highest Honors in both Academic Performance and Military Aptitude in Class 502W.

She met Virgil F. Jackson Jr. a young Naval Aviator in Memphis, TN in 1965. The two fell in love and were married on February 18th 1967. Before her Honorable discharge from the Navy in 1973, Tess served as a Communications Officer and Admiral's Aide. Together Tess and Virgil started a family and traveled the world, as her husband continued serving in the United States Navy for over 30 yrs.

During her family travels in the Navy, Tess raised three boys; Frank, James, and Curtis, and worked as a school teacher in numerous locations across the country. She was also involved in many charitable and philanthropic activities donating her time to various organizations, including the National Preservation Society in both Rhode Island and Maryland. She lived in Texas, Tennessee, Vermont, Louisiana, California, Maryland, and Rhode Island.

Tess and her family moved to Lubbock in 1990. Tess enjoyed being back in Texas returning to her family and friends and longtime Texas roots. Tess and Virgil celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Feb. 18th, 2017. In addition, Tess was a longtime member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Lubbock, TX, where she served as church secretary and was an active member of the choir. She was also active in the United Methodist Women Group serving in various roles including President and Communications Coordinator in 2017. Tess loved God, was dedicated to her church, always put her family first, loved to sing, garden and could out cook anyone. She also enjoyed reading, writing poetry, could debate on any given topic and loved to talk sports and politics.

Tess is survived by her husband Capt. Virgil F. Jackson Jr. USN Ret.; their three sons: Virgil (Frank) Jackson III and wife Christi of Wichita Falls, TX, James William Jackson and wife Dena of Vidalia, LA and Curtis Raymond Jackson and wife Megan of Austin, TX; 7 grandchildren: Tate, Caley, Nasif, Ava, Sawyer, Dupree and baby Tessa (on the way). Tess was a great Daughter, Sister, Wife, and Mother and an even better Grandmother! She was a wonderful friend to many people in Lubbock, and a respected member of the community. A kind, caring, loving person, Tess was a joy to be with. She will be missed by all.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday May 2, 2017 at Resthaven Funeral Home 5740 West 19th Street, Lubbock, TX 79407.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday May 3, 2017 at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 1501 University Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79401.

Tess will return home for her Interment Services at 4:00 p.m., Friday May 5, 2017 at Little River – Wilson Valley Cemetery, 1680 Wilson Valley Loop, Little River – Academy, TX 76554.

Please visit www.resthavenfuneralhome.com for online tributes. Arrangements are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Lubbock, TX.