In the second installment of "Ladies of Longview," Charm pays tribute to Lois Killingsworth Jackson for her revolutionary steps in the expansion of women's liberties.
In 1981, Lois was posthumously honored on Texas Arbor Day for her vital role in establishing a Longview Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and her work to expand the Longview parks and recreational facilities. Fittingly, for all her generous efforts and foresight towards the beautification of Longview, Lois Jackson Park honors her legacy.
Marshall Jackson, a Longview resident and Sales Associate with Coldwell Banker Lenhart Properties, is one of Lois' nine grandchildren. Marshall provided Charm with a personal, in-depth look into many of the accomplishments in Lois' extraordinary life.
Historical dignitary
Lois Killingsworth Jackson will forever live in Longview history as the first woman to be elected as City Commissioner in 1969 and the first woman to serve as municipal mayor in 1971.
"The 'public' side of her really began when she suddenly became a widow. She had a keen sense of business, but worked always to present herself in a tough but gracious manner," states Marshall. "She was a great example for women to choose what path to go down in life and go for it, long before women really felt comfortable in certain areas."
East Texas upbringing
Lois, a Gregg County native, often expressed immense pride in the fact that her predecessors, the Killingworths, were a pioneering family in establishing the county and city.
She graduated from Longview High School and then attended what is now Texas Woman's University.
She married Frank R. Jackson, an independent oil operator, in 1932, and they raised three sons: Dr. Frank R. Jackson Jr., Craig Jackson and Dr. Jere Jackson.
"My grandmother passed away about five months before I was born, but she was, and is, talked about constantly. So much so that I always felt like I knew her. Her husband always called her 'honey,' and this became her Grandmother name. The stories of Honey are still cherished by everyone in the family," Marshall said.
Contributions and recognitions
"Growing up, we were always made aware of her abiding love for her church, family and community," Marshall recalls.
Lois was passionate about civic duties and had various affiliations, including: Zonta Club, Longview Civic Music, Longview Symphony League, PTA and the Civic Affairs committee of the Longview Chamber of Commerce.
She was named "Woman of the Year" by the Longview Federation of Women's Club.
Perhaps her most treasured tribute was "The 1972 Texas Mother of the Year Award," presented by the American Mothers Committee, Inc.
Marshall believes, "any honor bestowed on Lois meant a great deal to her. These awards reaffirm the importance of the many roles women play."
"I have heard my dad and his brothers talk so many times about the "mother" side of Lois — the great cook, homemaker, nurturer, as well as the active role she played in her children's church and school lives," remembers Marshall.
Lois was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church. She and her husband organized the Married Young Peoples Sunday School Department, of which they were co-superintendents for 10 years. She also served in the Women's Missionary Union, taught Sunday school and served on various committees, including the Deacon Advisory Committee.
In remembrance
"She would be amazed at Longview's growth and positive strides, and I think she would be thrilled to see so many young people moving back to Longview, loving this community and taking on roles to make it the great community that it is," says Marshall.
Marshall reminisces, "Each time I take my son to the park or even drive by and see her name, I am reminded of her; what a great tribute to her because she loved the outdoors. To think that families can enjoy the park and make memories —this is what she would have wanted. I know she hears the laughter and cheer."
