Laura "Dolly" Jackson

Mrs. Laura Odessa “Dolly” Jackson, 90, longtime Forest Glade resident and Mexia businesswoman, passed away Saturday night, March 6, 2021, in Mexia after a courageous battle with numerous health issues.

Dolly, or Mama Dolly as she was known to many, was born August 30, 1930 in Hubbard, Texas.  She married Ivan Neal Jackson, Sr. on June 5, 1948. They enjoyed seventy happy years together raising their two boys and working side by side in their business and farm interests, prior to Ivan’s death in 2018.

Dolly was a woman of strong character and possessed an incredible work ethic.  Whether it was at work, church, or civic endeavor, she was ready for action with a smile and lovely appearance.  At Jackson’s Mexia Retail, she kept books, met customers, and made everyone feel at home.  At Calvary Baptist Church, she was an active member of the Esther Sunday School Class and was also assistant treasurer.  Civic activities included the Mexia Business and Professional Women’s Club, where she had been a member since 1970.  Dolly was once named “Woman of the Year” for the city of Mexia.  In 2006, she and Ivan were named Mr. and Mrs. Mistletoe for the Mexia Christmas parade.  She will always be remembered for her love of the Lord, her family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan Neal, her daughter-in-law, Christy Jackson, and by her brothers, Bill McClinton and Dub McClinton.

Survivors include her sons, Ivan Neal Jackson, Jr of Forest Glade and Steven A. Jackson and wife, Kathy of Forest Glade; grandchildren, Keith Jackson and wife, Brittany, Jennifer Retz, Lance Jackson and wife, Stephanie; great grandchildren, Kinsley Jackson, Blair Jackson, Elliot (Fletch) Jackson and Astrid Jackson; siblings, Herman McClinton and wife, Emily, Becky Sherrill, Carolyn Railsback and husband, James, Phyliss Strother and husband, Ralph and Gala Nettles and husband, Ronnie.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Mexia with the Reverend Marcus Sheffield, Reverend Rick Gray and Reverend Shane Norcross officiating.  Interment will follow in the Point Enterprise Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Larry McClinton, David McClinton, Bubba McClinton, Steve Smith, Timothy Railsback, Mathew Hunley, Jack Strother, Matt Strother, Robby Robinson, Mike McClinton, Scooter McClinton, and Doc Sherrill.

Visitation with the family will be Monday evening from 6 until 8 PM at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Limestone County Cancer Support Group, P. O. Box 107, Mexia, TX 76667 or Calvary Baptist Church, 519 S. McKinney, Mexia, TX 76667.