Laura A. Jackson

After a courageous 11 year battle with cancer Laura Aletha Jackson passed away at a local care facility in San Angelo at age 65. She passed peacefully, with dignity and with her children by her side. Laura was born December 20, 1945, in Texarkana, TX, to Robert Hamilton and Mary Aletha Dixon. She was the youngest of four children, Thomas Earl, Frances Roberta and Charles Hamilton.

Laura graduated from Texas High School in Texarkana, TX, and attended North Texas State University in Denton, TX, where she studied Fashion Design and Art. During her education she modeled for Neiman Marcus and discovered her eccentric love of glitz and glamour. Laura also loved to dance! She studied classical ballet for 17 years and briefly danced with the Lone Star Cloggers of San Angelo.

Laura married James Barron Lewis on September 11, 1965 and they were married for almost 21 years. They had two children Kelly Frances and Robert Nelson. In 1988 she remarried and welcomed into her life two stepsons, Jay Matthew and Gregory Charles Jackson that she cared for and loved as her own.

Laura’s passion for art was evident throughout San Angelo. She was a long-time respected member of the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, volunteered at the Children’s Art Museum, and worked diligently with local schools and teachers to keep art in schools. The Chicken Farm Art Center was her home away from home. It was there where Laura, Pam Bonner and Sara Lowe started Rainbow Fiber Arts. An artistic calling and unique talent Laura would continue with for many more years. She loved everything and everyone at The Chicken Farm.

Laura’s greatest achievements in life were her two children, Kelly and Robert, and her four beautiful grandchildren Caleb, Emily, Beck, and Benjamin.

Laura is survived by her daughter Kelly and her husband Johnny, of San Angelo, TX; son Robert and his wife Amy of Vail, CO; four grandchildren: Caleb Seth and Emily Aletha Usry of San Angelo, TX and James Beck and Robert Benjamin Lewis of Vail, CO. She is also survived by one sister Roberta Richardson of Gastonia, NC and one brother Tom E. Dixon of Rutherfordton, NC, a special sister-in-law Lael Lewis of Crockett, TX, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Laura is also survived by Jay Matthew Jackson of San Angelo, TX.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents Robert Hamilton and Mary Aletha Dixon, one brother Charles Hamilton Dixon, and stepson Gregory Charles Jackson.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at 11am at First Christian Church, San Angelo, TX, with the Reverend Ben Hubert officiating.

Special thanks to Dr. Roberta Hinshaw, Dr. Duncan Fischer, Dr. Morris Groves, VistaCare Hospice, and everyone who cared for and loved our mother just as we did.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, First Christian Church San Angelo or charity of choice.

Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com