WILLIAMSBURG — Gracie Lee Jackson, 79, transitioned to her heavenly home Wednesday, July 28, 2021, from Hospice House of Williamsburg to be with the Lord. She was born April 29, 1942, to the late Fred Banks and Adline Lee of Williamsburg. She was later adopted by her stepfather, Richard “Bum-Bum” Furman.
Gracie graduated from Bruton Heights High School with the Class of 1960. She furthered her education at Norfolk State University. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and joined Mount Ararat Baptist church under the leadership of the late Rev. James B. Tabb Sr.
Gracie was employed with Anheuser-Busch for 32 years, where she was manager of the Hospitality Center. She took great pride in her job and always spoke with enthusiasm and utmost joy about the Anheuser-Busch Hospitality Center. After retiring from Anheuser-Busch, she worked for 15 years at Williamsburg James City County Public Schools until her health began to decline.
On April 28, 2011, Gracie was united in holy matrimony with Clifton Idell “DeeDee” Jackson, who preceded her in death.
Gracie was an avid gardener and loved to attend Frankie Beverly and Maze concerts. Win or lose, she was also the biggest fan of the William & Mary Football team and tried her best to never miss a home game. She was family-oriented as well as loving and caring. She truly loved her family, friends and classmates. If anyone needed a helping hand, Gracie was there to lend one. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, but we are thankful to God that she is now resting in the arms of Jesus Christ.
Gracie’s memories will forever be cherished by her daughter, Tracie Lee Gilchrist; stepdaughters, Renalda Walker (Robert) and Simone Jackson; stepson, Jonathan Jackson; five step-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Hortense Hilt and Hilda Burrell; godchildren, Jackie McCoy, Jaime Montalvo (Pedro), Shawnette Williams, Umar Holland (Ja’Mea), Marchaney Adkins (Danny), Marcella Holland and Lisette Wright (Jerome); special devoted friends, Antonia Robinson, Cheryl Jackson, Sara Linda Howard, Al and Liz Montgomery, Sonny Crawford, Catherine “Plum” Davis, Marshall Greenhow, Deborah Brown and Valerie Meekins; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A memorial service, limited to 50 people, will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 12, at Whiting’s Funeral Home. Livestreaming will also be available at the beginning of the service. Facial coverings and social distancing are recommended.
Share online condolences with the family at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
