Gladys Waugh Jackson

Centenarian Gladys Waugh Jackson, age 100, of Birmingham, Alabama, presently known by many with great affection as “HONEY” was born on February 22, 1921 in the state of Georgia. On June 8, 2021, Gladys Waugh Jackson entered into eternal rest at the residence of her granddaughter, Marla Waugh Jackson surrounded by family and loved ones. Graveside service of memory and life celebration is slated for Monday, June 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in Valhalla Memorial Cemetery, 839 Wilkes Road, Birmingham 35228. Walk through viewing for family and friends is scheduled for Sunday afternoon from 2-6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Westside Funeral Home, Fairfield, Alabama. As a small child her parents preceded her in death. Following their passing she was raised by Clinton & Sally Jones who also preceded her in death. Growing up in the Avondale community, she attended school in Birmingham; then later went to Alabama A & M University where she obtained a degree in Early Childhood Education. Her extensive career as an educator expanded the minds and potential of numerous students during her tenure while she taught in the Birmingham City School system. Gladys had a stellar career for more than twenty-five years at West Center Street and Washington Elementary school before her retirement. After retirement she enjoyed traveling the world experiencing many cultures, checking off many adventures on her “Bucket List” leading a full and happy life. She volunteered with the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum, was an active member of Alabama A & M Birmingham Alumni Chapter and was a devoted member of St. James A.M.E. Church Avondale; a Christian woman of faith who loved the Lord. She was married to Nathaniel Waugh until his untimely death. They lived in Detroit, MI and had one son, Maurice Franklin Waugh. Gladys moved back to Alabama to raise Maurice and married Willie “Jack” Jackson. They both preceded her in death. Before moving to Tuscaloosa, AL in the late 1990’s Gladys was very active for years in the Alpha Sigma Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. where she served as chair for the Amicae Auxiliary for several years. Gladys was passionate about gardening and flowers. As an avid horticulturist, she grew a beautiful garden for many years until she started slowing down at the age of 92. Those who remain to cherish a life of love and longevity filled with precious memories are: a devoted husband of 25 years, Caesar Tillman of Chattanooga, TN; two grandsons Maurice N. Waugh (April) of Alabaster, AL; Marcus Mathews (Nicole) of Douglasville, GA; one granddaughter and faithful caregiver Marla Waugh Jackson (Thomas) of Birmingham, AL; Cousin, Mrs. Odie King of Birmingham, AL; 10 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great, Great Granddaughter and 1 Great, Great Grandson. She also leaves one special friend who was like a little sister to her, Ms. Minnie Bell of Sawyerville, AL; church family from Avondale to Tuscaloosa, AL. and numerous other family members, friends, former neighbors and associates who loved Honey and whom Honey also loved. Truly she will be missed! We at Weatherly Funeral Home; the Waugh, Jackson, Mathews and Tillman families gratefully appreciate the loving expressions of sympathy extended to us during the passing of the family's beloved Matriarch Gladys Waugh "Honey" Jackson. As an expression of sympathy, please make donations to St. James AME Church, Avondale in the name of Gladys Waugh Jackson if you so desire. https://www.givelify.com/donate/saint-james-ame-church-avondale-birmingham-al-2j7wy5NDEyNjE=/donation/amount