Connie Ann Jackson

Connie Ann Jackson, was the fifth child born to the late John Wesley and Doris Jackson, in Madera, California, on April 2, 1958. Connie grew up in Chowchilla and Oakland, California. Her parents owned land on a farm in Chowchilla where she raised and sold her own pig. Connie helped her parents and siblings with the animals on the farm every morning before school, and assisted her mother with growing vegetables.

Connie graduated from High School in Oakland, California, and later met and married, Michael G. Brashear. To this union were born Michele, Ronda, and Michael. They lived the military life, living in Germany and Texas. Connie and her children relocated to Chowchilla and shortly after to Merced, California. Connie was employed as a cook with Merced Manor and Chowchilla Convalescent Hospital. She attended Merced City College and also completed training with the Victim Witness Program.

Connie received Christ at an early age. She became a member of New Faith Tabernacle in Merced, under the leadership of the late Bishop Dwight Amey, where she met Kenny and Faye Williams, who took on the role of God parents to her children when she became ill. In 2000, Connie became a member of Life Place Church in Merced, under the leadership of Pastor Robert Allen. She was active with the praise team and the Wings Women's Group, and was also a mentor for young women.

Connie took care of her children and ill mother with great determination. Her determination and willingness to persevere against all adversity was exceptional. She was a social butterfly, and always had a smile on her face that could light up a room. Jesus Christ, her children and grandchildren, were the sunshine of her day, whom she loved dearly. Connie reached her eternal reward on February 3, 2018, in Fresno, California, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents John Wesley and Doris Jackson, brother Charles Jackson, and sister Janice Davis Jackson.

She leaves to cherish her wonderful memory her devoted daughter, Michele Brashear of Merced, California, who was her care giver; daughter Ronda Brashear of Merced, California, son Michael Brashear and daughter- in- law Shajuana Foster of Bakersfield, California; brothers Wesley Jackson Jr. of Modesto, California, Wesley Wayne Jackson and wife Sharon of San Diego, California, Alonzo Jackson of Madera, California; sisters Patricia J Sparks of Huntsville, Texas, Londa Jackson of Merced, California, Bridgette Jackson of Chowchilla, California; grandchildren Deche Brashear, Da Janae Barnes, Samya Brashear, Makaya Brashear, and Monica Brashear; God daughter Lajae Riley; best friend Caril James, childhood friend, Jeanne ( Nancy) Hannon. Close to heart were, Derek Hicks, Eva Jimenez, Sharon Pryor, Alice Martin, Mother Mae, Bob and Barbara Ornelas, Dr. Delara, Dr. Kano, Dr. Sidhu and Hinds Hospice; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Life Place Church, located at 2740 North Highway 59, Merced, California. Interment will follow at Merced District Cemetery, Merced, California.