Billie J. Jackson 1937-2025

Billie graced the world with her presence on April 6, 1937, in Clanton, Alabama, to the union of William and Ellen Brown Jackson. Billie’s early years were spent in the quaint Alabama neighborhood of Martins Quarters, where she spent endless days surrounded by the love of her many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She often spoke of those days with great fondness and special memories.

At the age of 14, her parents moved to Youngstown for greater job opportunities. They resided with the Emerson Wright family until they established their own residence on the East Side of Youngstown. Billie graduated as a proud Golden Bear from East High School in 1956.

Upon graduation, she married Claude Washington, who met an untimely death shortly thereafter.

As a young widow, Billie supported herself by working at Ding Ho’s Chinese Restaurant in downtown Youngstown. Her sisters often shared stories of how Billie would bring home the best Chinese food after completing her shifts. They also shared the story of their disappointment, when those meals ended, after Billie met and married Leroy Jackson, the ethereal love of her life.

Leroy was introduced to Billie by his best friend, Edward Bell, who worked with Billie’s father in the Steel Mill. Billie and Leroy were married on what she described as the rainiest day ever, June 30, 1962. Together, they raised three children, first on the South Side of Youngstown and later the North Side.

Billie was the ultimate homemaker, devoted to ensuring that her husband and children were well cared for. Billie was an excellent cook and made the best pound cakes by hand; never using an electric mixer. She embodied the virtues of a Proverbs 31 woman: (Proverbs 31:11- CSB: The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good) and (Proverbs 31:28 – CSB: Her Children rise up and call her blessed).

Billie worked briefly at Goldie’s Flowers, served as a custodial worker for the Mahoning County Court House library and worked as a domestic technician.

She and her husband were foster parents for Mahoning County Children Services. Billie was also a Booster Mom for the Little Bulldogs and Northside Knights Little League football teams. In her early years, she and her husband enjoyed bowling and were members of several leagues. She was a great swimmer and a member of the YWCA. An avid walker, Billie could be seen walking from her North Side home to the downtown area. She loved to dance and sing, favoring beautiful hymns, Tina Turner and Michael Jackson. With a great sense of humor, she often joked that she was going to legally change her name to “Billie Jean.”

A longtime member of Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, Billie graced the Gospel Choir with her melodic “lyric-soprano” voice. She was an avid supporter (along with the other mothers) for the Lambs of Jesus Children’s Choir. She served in the Culinary Ministry and also volunteered wherever she was needed. She loved her church, her pastors, and first ladies; the late Reverend Henry and Odessa Clinkscale, and current Pastor J. Dwayne and Shahara Heard.

Billie leaves a beautiful legacy in her three children, Regina Perry-Lisbon of Campbell, Derrick Slocum (Voncile) and Robert Jackson (Eva), both of Youngstown. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren that she loved dearly: Marquis (Tiffany) Perry, Cortland (Kia) Perry, Michael (Shino) Lisbon Jr., Markus Lisbon, Derrick Slocum Jr. (Erin), Shenique Walls (D’Von), Brittany, Robert Jr., Rodrick, Lucas, Erich, Bobbi and Bishop Jackson. Her legacy will also be cherished by 22 great-grandchildren.

Precious memories are retained by her siblings, Martha Conyer Allen (Walter), Linda Robinson (Vaughn) and Edward Ronald Jackson. She will also be remembered by her bonus daughter, Erica Avery, who assisted the family in caring for Billie; along with a myriad nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

As Billie’s faith became sight, upon crossing the celestial shore, she was reunited with her husband, Leroy, who predeceased her in 1983; her parents; and son-in-law, Michael Lisbon.

As we gather to celebrate Billie’s beautiful life and the legacy of love she leaves behind, we invite all who knew her to join us in remembrance of a remarkable woman who fought a good fight and has now obtained heavenly rest with her beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Billie’s celebration of life will take place at the Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1210 Himrod Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Calling hours are from 9 to 10 a.m., with funeral service commencing at 11 a.m., with Elder J. Dwayne Heard as Eulogist.

The Ministry of comfort, love, and dignity has been entrusted to the L.E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.

(special notice)