SYLVERINE JACKSON

Alpha: On March 31, 1927, Sylverine Jackson was born to the union of Son and Aver Jackson, the second and only girl out of 6 children in Linden (Cass County), Texas. Sylverine was baptized at an early age at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Sylverine attended Fairview High School where she played basketball.

In 1944, she married her love, Wilbert Lee Horsley and one child was born to this union, a baby girl, Willard Dean Horsley. She later wed Rev. Fred C. Parker and although no children were born to this union she gained another daughter and raised Patricia Parker. Sylverine's love and desire to not only read the bible but understand Gods word she was compelled to enroll in D. Edwin Johnson Theological Institute where she earned a degree in Theology.

In her strong commitment to Christ not only in the word but through singing and praying. If you knew her she would sing and pray you happy all for the glory of God. God favored her along with her husband Rev. Parker to minister in the role of First Lady and teacher at New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Telephone, Texas and Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Rowlett, Texas, where many of the young people from those churches and communities still today speak highly of her. Some of her favorite songs to sing were: Never Grow Old, Lord Don't Move the Mountain, Give me my flowers, Guide me Over thy Great Jehovah, May the Work I've done, and Use me Lord to name a few.

In 1966, she gained the son she never had when Willard Dean married Willis (Tony) Reeves she was well pleased in that she affectionally referred to him as "Son". She became known as Big Mama when her first granddaughter was born but others called her that also.

Sylverine worked for many years as a housekeeper and assisted in raising several children, The Tripps, Shiners who are still apart of her extended family today.

Sylverine united with the Grace of God Baptist Church under the leadership of Robert L. Bonner Jr. and was faithful until her health began to decline.

Omega: On Monday, May 7 at 6:05 a.m. Sylverine took the wings of the morning and caught that morning train to glory. Preceded in death were her parents, Son and Aver Jackson; brothers, W.M, and Son Jr.; son in love, Willis (Tony) Reeves; granddaughter April Parker.

Left to cherish her precious memories: daughters: Willard Dean Horsley Reeves and Patricia Parker Taylor both of Dallas, Texas; brother: James (Bubba) Jackson (Donna) of Portland, Oregon; grandchildren: Dwayne Philip Horsley (Sharon) Garland, Texas, Mistie and Sylvia Reeves both of Dallas, Texas, Kenan Parker of Dallas, Texas; great grandchildren: Bryson, Kiersten, MaKayla, Anthony; two great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews: Alice Woods, Annie Hamilton, Jerard Hamilton, Marcus Jackson, Greg Peace, Levert Willis, Adrianne Jackson; special grandchildren: Dominic Godfrey, Paula Singleton, Lawrence Banks Jr., Ronald Goodwin.