Ruby Lee Jackson

RUBY LEE GRAVES JACKSON, 92, of Little Rock, died March 22, 2012, at Chenal Heights Nursing Center. Born March 11, 1920, she was a daughter of Basley Carl "B. C." And Frances Elizabeth Neikirk Graves. Mrs. Jackson was reared and educated in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School. She attended Henderson State University. She was secretary to the Controller at Pine Bluff Arsenal for 25 years, retiring in 1975. Mrs. Jackson volunteered with P. T. A., Girl Scouts, Pine Bluff Women's Center and many charity and church organizations. She was a member and past Worthy Matron of Union Chapter No. 40 of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Jackson was a 52 year member of Lakeside United Methodist Church, serving on the planning team, and as Dean for Regional Schools and Christian Missions. She was instrumental in the funding and formation of a tutoring program for low income children. She did workshops to help inform educators about racist and sexist biases in children's books. In 1976 Mrs. Jackson was elected to the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. She worked in fundraising, appropriations and conducted workshops for officers of the United Methodist Women. Mrs. Jackson also trained officers of the Midwest and Pacific Regions of United Methodist Women. In 1997 she was awarded the Ethel K. Miller Award for Religious and Social Awareness by Hendrix College. Mrs. Jackson was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; one sister. Survivors include one daughter, Kathryn Jackson Rand of Little Rock; grandsons, Patrick Neil Heird of Tampa, Fla., Noel David Heird and Benjamin A. Rand IV of Little Rock; great-grandchildren, Sierra M. and Avery L. Heird of Florida, and Elizabeth Catherine Alexandra Rand of Little Rock; cousins; nieces and nephews. Memorial service 11 a.m. Monday, March 26, First United Methodist Church, Little Rock, conducted by Associate Pastor Mary Jane Cole. Funeral service at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Lakeside United Methodist Church of Pine Bluff with Reverend Pam Estes officiating. Interment in Bellwood Cemetery by Ralph Robinson & Son. Memorials may be made to: L. I. F. T. C/O First United Methodist Church, 8th and Center Streets. Little Rock, Ark., 72201, or Aldersgate, 2000 Aldersgate Rd. Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Pallbearers: Neil Heird, Noel Heird, Ben Rand, Carl J. Graves, Carl L. Martin, Robert R. Ellis, and Christopher Lee Ellis.