[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 79 (Monday, May 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING MRS. IVALITA JACKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 24, 2010

  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the 
Congressional Black Caucus, CBC, to offer our deepest condolences as we 
pay tribute to the extraordinary life of Mrs. Ivalita Jackson, beloved 
mother of our friend and CBC colleague, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson 
Lee and her brother, Michael. With Mrs. Jackson's passing on May 18, 
2010, at the age of 84, we are reminded of her life's journey, the 
joyful legacy she inspired, and her bold commitment to selflessly care 
for others.
  Ivalita Jackson, affectionately known as ``Ivy,'' was born on January 
15, 1926, in St. Petersburg, Florida, to Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd and 
Vannie Bennett. Mr. Bennett worked as a Pullman porter and Mrs. Bennett 
was both a homemaker and businesswoman. When Ivalita was 16, she and 
her sister Valerie moved to Queens, New York, to seek greater 
opportunities and to help their family back in Florida.
  The two set a course marked by self-reliance, strong work ethic and 
personal responsibility that continues to inspire their loved ones to 
this day. It was in New York that Ivalita began a life of service by 
seeking training in vocational nursing. And, she soon met the love of 
her life, New York native and comic book artist, Ezra Clyde Jackson, to 
whom she was married for 47 years.
  Known for her expertise in the care of infants and premature babies, 
Ivalita Jackson was one of the first African American nurses to work at 
the Salvation Army Booth Memorial Hospital (now the New York Hospital 
Queens) and was a pioneer for other African American women in her 
field. ``Jackie,'' as her colleagues called her, was loved and 
respected by patients and coworkers alike.
  Mrs. Jackson cared for others' children during the graveyard shift so 
that in the morning she could walk her own small children to school. 
Her role as a mother was one of the guiding principles in her life and 
she made every effort to be involved in her children's school 
activities.
  She also took great joy in her active leadership roles at Linden 
Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she was a dedicated charter member 
and part of the gospel choir. In addition, Mrs. Jackson made sure that 
her children were involved in church activities and instilled with a 
sense of spiritual and public service.
  A dedicated wife, sister, mother and grandmother, Mrs. Jackson was 
known by many as a true ``renaissance woman.'' She was a talented 
flower arranger, a wise mentor, a compassionate spirit and a woman who 
commanded an enormous amount of respect. With wit and wisdom, she 
reminded others to show love in spite of hardship and to love 
themselves so that they might love others that much more.
  Though preceded in death by her husband, Mrs. Jackson is survived by 
son, Mr. Michael Jackson, daughter, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, 
grandchildren, Jason Lee and Erika Lee, and a sister, Mrs. Vivian 
Smith.
  Members of the Congressional Black Caucus join family and friends in 
mourning the loss and celebrating the life of Mrs. Ivalita ``Ivy'' 
Jackson. On behalf of those whose lives she touched in magnificent 
ways, we honor and salute her. Ivalita was truly a great woman and she 
will be deeply missed. The contributions she made to others throughout 
her life are countless and precious. Our thoughts and prayers are with 
Congresswoman Jackson Lee, the entire family and Mrs. Jackson's 
extended group of loved ones and friends. May her soul rest in peace.

                          ____________________