Obituary of Inez E. Jackson

Inez E. Jackson transitioned from this life on March 7, 2024. She was born on August 25, 1931, in Jacksonville, Florida to Thomas Harding and Edith Payne. Inez was the oldest of two children and readily took on responsibilities much greater than her age would indicate, which prevented her from completing her grade school education.

Inez left her hometown of Jacksonville at the tender age of 14 and arrived in Columbia, South Carolina in search of a better life. Growing up during the Jim Crow Era in the south was extremely hard. There in S.C, she met a young man named Robert W. Jackson, the man she would marry later on in life after they arrived and settled in Harlem, New York City.

Inez held the toughest occupation in the world – being a mother and a housewife. That came with more responsibility and stress than any other job, but there was no paycheck and no days off. No performance bonuses. No monetary compensation of any kind. And the more time you spend parenting, the less money you can make. She did from time to time, tend bar at local clubs. Not just as the barmaid, but also the bouncer. Inez was as tough as they come! And when it came to cards, 500 Rummy was her favorite pastime. Playing the piano was a close second, even though she was taught to play as a child by the one and only Ray Charles.

Inez received much touted recognition from many local and state politicians for her contributions to the Brooklyn community that she served and loved for 70 years. She received a City Council Citation from Brooklyn Councilman Diana Reyna in 2003. She received a Certificate of Merit from The New York State Assembly, from New York State Representative Vito J. Lopez in 2008. She received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney and A Certificate of Merit from State Senator Martin Malave Dilan both in 2018.

Inez was a strong-spirited woman, with an unwavering belief in God. She loved her family and friends unconditionally. Whoever needed her, she was there. Every time. If not in person, by phone. She knew everyone’s number by heart. She was intelligent, stylish, expressive and had a great sense of humor. Her timing was impeccable! She also loved writing, music and dancing. Inez will be missed tremendously.

To cherish her loving memories, Inez leaves her daughter, Harriet Williams of Florida; her son Kenneth Jackson of New York; grandchildren, Taren Sykes, Louise Hairston, Harry Hairston, Stephany Dade, Shaundel Dade and Julian Hoyle; great-grandchildren, Semora Evans, Andrea Dade, Arthur Hairston, Shantia Hairston, Harry Hairston Jr, Kyrie Simmons, Jamya Hairston, Ja-nez Matthews, Autumn Jefferson and Denzel Dade. Siblings on her father’s side; Benny Harding, Thomas Harding Jr, Darlene Harding and Veotis Harding; nephews, Aaron Harding, Glen Harding, Ricardo Cortez Harding Jr, Ricardo Harding, Mark Harding, Zaquan Harding, Tyquan Harding; nieces, Cherly Harding-Tuten, Monique Thompson, and Ashanti Harding. Several great-great grandchildren, cousins, other family members and friends that she loved dearly.

Friends and family are invited to visit on Tuesday, March 19^th from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Freeman Funeral Home, 47 East Main Street, Freehold. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 11:00AM the same day. Internment to follow at Old Tennent Cemetery, Manalapan. To leave a condolence or find directions, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.