Bettye Nelson Jackson

MRS BETTYE NELSON JACKSON of North Little Rock transitioned to her heavenly home on August 22nd. Born on November 22nd, 1932 in North Little Rock, Mrs. Jackson is survived by a host of beloved family, friends, and organizations that cherished her dearly. She was preceded in death by her beloved Husband, Cledic F. Jackson; Mother, Ruby Nelson; and Father, James Nelson. She is survived by her only child, Cledetra Kay Jackson Phillips and her two granddaughters, Claisian Phillips Jones (Calvin) and Cescily Phillips, and her nephew who she loved as a son, Reginald Jackson and his daughter Regina Jackson Williams. She is also survived by four great- grandchildren, Adedayo Yerokun, Tolulore Yerokun, Abiona Kay Yerokun, and Kendrix Jackson Jones; in addition to her best friend who she considered her sister, Mrs. Tommie Thomas, and several cousins and extended family. Mrs. Jackson attended elementary and high school at her beloved Scipio A. Jones in North Little Rock. Being a member of the Scipio A. Jones Class of 1950 was one of her most valued accomplishments. Furthering her education, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree, Cum Laude in Elementary Education from Philander Smith College, and completed graduate studies in Elementary Counseling and Science from the University of Central Arkansas, Henderson State University, and DePaw University. The completion of her academic studies led to a storied career in Education. She taught in Little Rock Public Schools for 10 years during which she was honored as "Teacher of the Year", in 1973 she was elected Regional Director of the Midwest Region of the National Council of Urban Education Associations, in 1974 she was elected President of the Little Rock Classroom Teachers Association, and in 1975 she became the FIRST female African American appointed as a UniServ Representative for the Arkansas Education Association. She also led Education Administration in Lexington, Ky. In 1989 she became the Assistant Executive Director for the Kentucky Education Association until her retirement in 1995. At a young age, Mrs. Jackson was baptized at Bethel AME Church in North Little Rock (NLR) and began her deep-rooted spiritual journey and lifetime Christian service. She served numerous positions at Bethel A.M.E NLR, was a Lifetime Member of the Women's Missionary Society, Arkansas Conference Trustee, Arkansas Conference Lay Treasurer, and 12th Episcopal Lay Organization Secretary. She also was a faithful member of Scipio A. Jones Alumni Association- National and Local Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Founding member of Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD), NAACP, Urban League, NLR Civic League, Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Watershed Human and Community Agency, Professional Staff Association (PSA/AAUP), Arkansas Retired Teachers Association, and Chief Judge and Area Supervisor for the Pulaski County Election Commission. Walkthrough visitation will be held at Bethel AME Church in North Little Rock on Friday, September 4th from 2-6 p.m. and the Memorial service will be held Saturday, September 5th from 1-2 p.m. at Bethel AME Church in North Little Rock. The memorial service will also be streamed for those who cannot attend. Arrangements: Watson Northcrest of North Little Rock, 1601 Cypress, 501-812-5303.