JACKSON, Mary A.

Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Arizona, March 26, 2009 Mary A. Jackson 84, of Safford, passed away at her home, March 20, 2009, surrounded by her family. Mary was born February 13, 1925, in Brooklyn, N.Y. In 1945 she enlisted in the Women's Army Corps as a medical specialist. She served until August 6, 1948, when she left the service to marry her husband, First Sergeant Lloyd L. Jackson, US Army, at Governor's Island, N.Y. Lloyd and Mary spent 22 years on active duty, traveling and raising their nine children, before retiring to Tucson, AZ. In 1984, Lloyd and Mary moved to Safford, AZ, where Lloyd was employed as the Hospital Administrator at Mount Graham Community Hospital. Lloyd and Mary were married 60 years on August 14, 2008. Mary was active in the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Gila Valley Veterans Honor Guard, the Safford Women's Club, the Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, Catholic Daughters of America and the Safford Book Club. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers. She is survived by her husband, Lloyd; her children, Denise (James) Burke, Gail (Billy) Fowler, Diane (Joseph) Allocco, Brian (Charleen) Jackson, Teresa Mitchell, Timothy (Mildred) Jackson, Elise (Michael) Reimer, Kevin Jackson, Shaun (Robert) Piccolo; 19 grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, ten great- grandchildren, 18 step-great- grandchildren, two great-great- grandchildren; and her brother, Arthur (Dorothea) Bonner. The funeral mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. A graveside service will be held Monday, March 30, 2009 at the Southern Arizona Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 1300 Buffalo Soldier Trail, Sierra Vista, AZ at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Mt. Graham Hospice Services, 1600 S. 20th St., Bldg E, Safford, AZ 85546. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalms 116:15.