Leatha Elaine Jackson, 99, of Centralia passed away surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at her home. She was born on February 25, 1925, the daughter of Oscar and Sybil (Maroon) Marlin in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She married the love of her life, Clarence “Regis” Jackson on July 21, 1946, and he preceded her in death on February 12, 1996.
Survivors who will hold dear memories of Elaine include her beloved family, her daughter, Brenda Running and husband George of Centralia, Illinois; her cherished grandchildren, Charles Running and wife Cindy of Mequon, Wisconsin, and Carrie Schafer of Chesterfield, Missouri; precious great-grandchildren, Luke James Running, Max Jackson Running, and Natalie Helen Schafer; her special cousin, Bonnie Ward; and many more cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Along with her husband, Regis Jackson, Elaine was preceded in death by her parents.
Elaine was a true lady of great faith, a member of the First Apostolic Church in Centralia from 1935, since the age of 10. After World War II, Elaine utilized her drawing skills by creating the architectural plans for 5 homes in Centralia. She was later a loyal employee of Sears in Centralia. She also was the warm, welcoming smile, grateful customers would see at Walmart in Centralia for years. Elaine enjoyed working and keeping busy, whether at work or at home. She kept lovely flower gardens, tending her roses and tiger lilies every summer. Elaine hosted many family get-togethers, where everyone would gather at her home. She was the patriarch of her family, so very proud of her daughter, her son-in-law, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. Elaine was soft-spoken and kind, a true example of compassion, endurance, and love. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Visitation time will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the funeral home in Centralia. Elaine will be laid to rest beside her husband at Hillcrest Memorial Park in rural Sandoval. Memorials may be made in Elaine’s honor to First Apostolic Church. Online condolences and memories of Elaine may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
