Susan Smith Jackson

Susan Smith was born on April 5, 1964. At the age of 9, she was adopted by Mrs. Mary Louise Smith. Unfortunately, her mother preceded her in death and did not have the opportunity to witness Susan's successes in adulthood. Susan grew up in Texarkana, Arkansas, as an only child in a very structured environment. She was baptized at an early age and received biblical instruction throughout her childhood and young adulthood at Eleventh Street Baptist Church in Texarkana. An active member of her church, she played the piano, led the choir, and directed hymns. Her love for music began in childhood, and she remained actively engaged in her church community. From a young age, Susan demonstrated a passion for helping and caring for others. This care was especially evident in her relationship with her grandparents, Ben and Alice Pearce, who lived on the same property as her family. Susan attended her local schools and graduated from Arkansas High School in 1982. After high school, she embarked on her college journey in Arkansas, eventually earning her master's degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Homeland Security from Argosy University. Addition-ally, she studied at Beulah Heights University in Atlanta, Georgia, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Education, preparing her to serve as an able minister. Susan was a beautiful spirit with a welcoming smile that radiated approachability and care. Her smile encouraged people in her workplace, church family, and community. Children were especially drawn to her, and many people would stop her on the street or in restaurants to compliment her beauty. Her resemblance to the famous Academy Award winner, Octavia Spencer, often caught people's attention. Her neighbors appreciated her kindness, and Susan loved spending time with them at cookouts. She would follow up with warm thank-you texts, which continued as weekly greetings. One neighbor commented, "Now that she's gone, I will miss my text messages. No one sends me messages like Susan did." Professionally, Susan worked as a data collection specialist contractor for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Her coworkers noted her kindness and support. Susan loved the Lord and actively participated in church activities. She especially enjoyed sharing with individuals through outreach ministry. She served in prison ministry outreach and maintained her credentials with the Georgia Department of Corrections. Recently, she was a dedicated member of the Life Center Church's New Member Welcoming and Assimilation Team. Additionally, she had a vibrant text messaging ministry, sending encouraging messages and prayers to people. Although Susan always desired to be married and have children, she believed this would happen in God's timing. Later in life, she married Alex Jackson, whom she loved and adored. Alex also cherished her, stating that it was not just about what she did but how she made him feel through her kind-ness, humility, and devoted love. Susan was thrilled to become a wife, stepmother, and step-grandmother, fulfilling her dreams. She leaves to cherish her memories her husband, Alex Jackson Sr.; stepchildren Bruce Jackson, Alita Cusher, Kevin Jackson, Robin Jackson, Pamela Jackson, and Alex Jackson Jr., sisters Evelyn Chiv-ers and Marie Sutton; special cousins Pamela Walker, Nan Carroll, Levet Hamilton, and Virgie Brown; step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and a host of other cousins and friends.

Susan Smith Jackson

April 5, 1964 - July 27, 2026