Obituary for Helen V Jackson (Amory)

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Life Story for Helen V Jackson (Amory)

Helen Victorine (Amory) Jackson
April 5, 1925 – January 20, 2018
Helen was born April 5, 1925 to Ella C. (Browne) and William B. Amory in Peekskill, NY. She departed peacefully on January 20, 2018 in Broward County, FL. She was preceded in death, by her husband, Wiley (Pete); as well as her siblings, William, Reginald, Louis, Kathleen, Jessie and Mary.
Helen was born in Peekskill, NY to first generation immigrant parents. She attended Peekskill public schools and graduated from Peekskill High School in 1942 along with her future husband, Pete (Wiley) Jackson. After graduation, she attended Hampton (VA) Institute's nursing program. It was during this time, she became engaged and returned to New York, while awaiting Pete's return from service in the Pacific. She then worked as a practical nurse for a private doctor in Brooklyn and the lower east side of New York City. She would always say these were some of her happiest moments as a young working woman and newlywed in Brooklyn, often going dancing and performing quite a lindy hop. After her children were grown, Helen worked as a switchboard operator at the Hudson River Psychiatric Center; retiring in 1999. She was an avid seamstress and often made her own and her children's clothes, most times identical/matching outfits.
She was a fierce advocate for educational opportunity of all children. The worst thing you could say to her was, "I'm bored." Her antidote invariably was, "Read a Book!" Helen and her husband became well-known activists in the civil rights movement. She was involved in many other civic organizations in the community. For most of the 60's, she was actively involved in the NAACP on the local and state levels holding various officer titles throughout the decade. Additionally, Helen was involved in the PTAs of her children's schools (at one point running for the Poughkeepsie Board of Education). Helen was an original Head-Start Volunteer and helped disadvantaged children in those various programs, including early childhood breakfast nutrition programs. She was intent on making sure her children, and others like them, were not shortchanged
from any programs and special projects offered in the public schools. In addition to Peekskill, she and family lived in Hopewell Junction and Poughkeepsie. After moving to Poughkeepsie, she joined Smith Street A.M.E. Zion Church and actively volunteered in many of the activities of the church. Another avocation was her knowledge of nutrition and the legendary practice of vitamin therapy, including the nursing of her sister, Mary after a serious diagnosis. She was a member of the Park Street AME Zion Church (Peekskill) and previously, St. Mark’s (Poughkeepsie) AME Zion Church. She leaves behind 4 children: Linda Jackson, Lois Jackson, Lorraine Jackson-Ordia, and Peter E. Jackson, Sr.; 5 Grandchildren: Alicia Jackson, Joe(Rachel) Ordia, Angela Jackson, Peter Jackson, Jr. (Jessica), and Brandon Jackson Baird; 11 great grandchildren: Gabrielle, Grace, Lydia, Isabella, Michael, Gianna, Tomiwa, Spencer, Ava, Lani, Linc; Godchildren: Anthony Swain, Allyson Braxton, Nicole Holmes; many nieces and nephews and a host of additional family and friends.
The Jackson Family wishes to thank everyone near and far who provided support and comfort in their time of need. May God Bless You.

Collage and iMovie created by granddaughter, Angela Jackson
Contributions can be made in Helen’s memory to
Park Street AME Zion Church (Peekskill, NY)
or St. Mark’s AME Zion Church (Poughkeepsie, NY)