On Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at 3:08 a.m., Juanita Mae Middleton Jackson’s last battle concluded in a victorious triumph over death at the remarkable age of 90. She fell asleep in Christ surrounded by her close family and loved ones praying by her bedside in her home in Troy, New York. The days prior to her peaceful transition from this earthly life into heaven’s gates, family and church members sang songs of triumph and praise, kept a prayer vigil, and listened to her testimonies of how God had been preparing her for the last few months to go home to glory.

Affectionately known to many as "Nana" or "Mother Jackson", she was born on October 25, 1926 in Marion, Ohio, to Freada Willa Ritchie Middleton and Riley Jean Middleton. She attended Harding High School in Marion, Ohio, and gave her life to Christ at 15 years of age. In 1945, she was joined in Holy Matrimony to Paul C. Jackson and moved to Columbus, Ohio where 5 of 6 children were born to that union. Her family then moved to several parts of Virginia, where the last of her 6 children was born, and then to Boston, Boston Massachusetts, where she attended nursing school. She moved to the Capital District, finally settling down in Troy, New York, where she began her early career in the field of nursing, working at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy, New York for many years, as well as Memorial Hospital and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Albany. Some years later, she was employed by the New York Telephone Company as an operator in the Menands and Troy offices. She loved and cared for her children dearly, often finding innovative ways to make ends meet during the many hard times.

In 1971, after the sudden death of her second oldest daughter, Barbara Jean Coles, Nana became guardian to Barbara’s four young children, Kimberly, Rhonda, Danielle, and James, who at the time were 5 years, four years, two years, and 8 months old. She began raising her grandchildren with the same love and devotion that she gave her own children. Refusing to accept social services, she sometimes worked two jobs to send the children to Loudonville Christian School until Redemption Christian Academy (RCA) opened in 1979.

In the early 1970s, Nana became an active member of the Redemption Church of Christ, pastored by her son-in-law, Elder John Massey, Jr. She cooked and organized dinners for church events and councils, headed the women's auxiliary, coordinated Saturday noonday prayer meetings, and trained young women to become virtuous women. Nana loved sharing her famous apple pie, beans, and corn pudding recipes with the young women.

After retiring from the telephone company, Nana became a full-time volunteer in Redemption Church Ministries and Redemption became her life. For over 30 years, she faithfully performed various duties in Redemption Christian Academy. Nana was overjoyed to see the four grandchildren she raised graduate from the school with honors. She was also blessed to see a total of 16 grandchildren and great-grandchildren graduate from RCA.

In 1988, Nana became a second mother to her granddaughter Marquita Keyvonne “KiKi” Massey, daughter of Joan E. Massey, principal of RCA, and her husband, Pastor John Massey, Jr. who were extremely active in full-time ministry. Nana and Kiki’s formed a special bond. Every Thursday night and when her parents were out of town, Kiki would spend the night at Nana’s and even slept in the bed with her. As the baby of the family and 11 years younger than the previous child, her siblings would often tease her saying she would be sleeping with Nana until she was married. That turned out to be true! Up until the very week she got married, Kiki slept in the bed with Nana. When Kiki became a mother, Nana devoted to helping raise her two sons, Shiloh Zion and Judah Eden.

Nana's service to the Lord touched everyone's life at every age. She had story-time with the preschool and elementary students at RCA; taught health, hygiene and etiquette classes with the junior and senior high students; was church treasurer and office manager to Redemption Church Ministry staff; was spiritual advisor and mentor to RCA students as well as church members; and provided a source of encouragement to other seniors in the church through her timely words. In addition to her own grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was everyone’s Nana.

Nana’s passion, selfless dedication, example, and faithfulness, even in her waning years, left behind an impact that cannot adequately be expressed in words. As church Mother with a graceful, sweet, and quiet spirit, everyone esteemed her in high admiration. Many sought her words of wisdom and timely spiritual advice. Through all of life's tests and trials, Nana always smiled, was thankful, and remained steadfast and faithful to the Lord. Her life leaves us a wonderful legacy that is truly a shining light!

Nana is predeceased by her daughter, Barbara Jean Coles, son-in-law, Arthur Billingsley; siblings, James Rodney Middleton, (Juanita); George Riley Middleton (Catherine); Clarence Wilbur Middleton, Phyllis Jean Finch (Edward); and Luetta Keith. She is survived by her daughters Juanita Irene Billingsley; Joan Estelle Massey (John); Paulette Ladonna Camp (David); Patricia Jackson Carraway (John); and son, Azzaam Hameed (Stephanie); her grandchildren that she raised, Kimberly Landor (Joe); Rhonda Hughes (Lamont); Danielle Croley; and James Coles (Serena); the loves of her life, granddaughter Marquita Wilchombe (Tristan) and great-grandchildren, Siloh and Judah Wilchcombe; sisters, Sharon Laddonna Lomax (William), Genevieve Joy Collins (Kenrick), Saundra Dianna Pickens (Richard); Patricia Ann Pickens; 23 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, and a host of great-great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, brothers and sisters in Christ and saints of Redemption Church of Christ.

Nana’s Homegoing service will be held Wednesday, May 24, at Redemption Church of Christ, 1511 6th Avenue, Watervliet, New York 12189. Viewing is 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Service begins at 10:30 a.m.

The interment will be held immediately following at the Elmwood Hill Cemetery located at 51 Belle Ave., Troy, NY. The family will be receiving guests after the burial at the Redemption Church of Christ Pathfinder Youth Center adjacent to the church.

In memory of Juanita Jackson, contributions may be made to the Redemption Christian Academy Scholarship Fund c/o Pioneer Savings Bank, 712 Hoosick Road, Troy, New York 12180.

Flowers can be sent directly to the church.

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