Bernice M. Jackson

Our beloved Bernice M. Jackson aka (Bunny Rabbit) was born August 2, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri to Otis and Lorenzia Jackson. She was the 2nd of four children; Jeanette Holmes, Otis Lee Jackson, and Alice Marie Jackson.

Bernice grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and graduated from Central High School and received an AA in insurance sales.

Bernice began her career at Plaza 3 as a bus girl. She went on to work at Sears when it was on Cleveland Ave. She would often ride her bicycle to work from her home on 36th and Highland; the same street that her parents lived on (the 30's) and her cousin Lewis Smith and his family. Most of us and our children grew up on that block. Bernice went on to pass the insurance agents test and sold life insurance for a long time; she went door to door collecting premiums. She would even come to Granmere's house and collect hers. (LOL) She also worked at Lab Corp for 15 years before she retired.

Bernice managed the church nursery (Mt. Pleasant) for over 20 years, most of the time by herself. She would sing to the kids and every child that entered that nursery felt loved and safe when Bernice was there. Bernice left a mark on this world of a person that would stuff as many kids in a car as she could and take them to church, the zoo, drive in movies, etc. Everyone remembers her for that. That was her trademark, double up, triple up .. Let's go!! (LOL)

She was also a wonderful seamstress. She would sew wedding gowns, kids' clothes for all occasions, and she made most of her clothes. Sometimes us kids would help her do the pinning. She made most of Chanette and Lisa's clothes when they were children.

She was funny, outgoing, a lover of life type of person, that would often greet you with a (Well Howdy).

Bernice filled our hearts with laughter, optimism, amazing love, patience and capacity for children!!

Although Bernice never married, she had two beautiful, amazing children, Kelly Y. Jackson and Micheal D. Jackson, that cared for her religiously at home until her last breath was taken. They were both by her side when she passed on to the other side. Along with her granddaughter Hadiya Brooks, grandson DeShawn Jackson, her sister Alice M. Jackson, her niece Chanette L. Young, and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bernice loved watching television. We could hear down the street when the Chiefs were playing.

She shopped at thrift stores ‘til she was physically not able to shop anymore. She was truly a happy-go-lucky person.

Bernice leaves behind a big, beautiful family. Her children: Kelly Y. Jackson and Micheal D. Jackson, granddaughter Hadiya Brooks, grandson DeShawn Jackson, and a host of grands and great grands. She leaves behind two sisters: Jeanette Holmes and Alice Tolefree, one niece, and two nephews.

Bernice was preceded in death by her father, mother, brother, granddaughter, grandson, nephew, and one niece.

Bernice is gone and will not be forgotten. Her love lives on in our hearts. Please do like Bernice would do, make someone smile today!!