Mary Mae (Gibbens) Jackson, 100 years and 9 months passed away March 15, 2024, at Shepherd of the Hills Living Center in Branson, Missouri. She was born on June 26, 1923, in Van Wert, Iowa, to  James Milton and Nellie George (Bryant) Gibbens. They later moved to Des Moines, Iowa where her siblings, Milton and Donna were born.

She married William Lewis Jackson Jr. July 22, 1939, in Bethany, Missouri.   During World War II she lived in Des Moines Iowa and worked at the Des Moines Ordnance Plant, loading 50 caliber bullets, and Bill was drafted into the Army.  In the late 40’ s through the mid 70’s worked as a school cook in the Raytown School District and was active in the Raytown Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She was also active in local Pack and Troop 265 of the Boy Scouts of America. Upon semi-retirement they moved to Marceline, Missouri where they owned, managed, and enlarged a mobile home park.  She also worked at Pischel Publishing Company . In 1985, fully retired, they moved to southern Missouri to take advantage of the lakes and music shows.  In 2010 Bill passed after 71 years and 9 months together.  Throughout her life Mary  kept a bright smile and positive attitude, uplifting dearly loved family and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was proceeded in death by two sons, Joseph [Lynn] and William III  [Joan]; a brother, Milton [Bonnie], [Lola], and [Ruth] Gibbens; and a brother-in-law Fred Eyer.

Mary is survived by a sister, Donna Eyer, Upland, CA; a son Richard [Frances] Jackson, Branson, MO; a daughter-in-law Cynthia Allen Jackson, Creston IA; grandchildren, William IV [Nicole] Jackson, Rogersville, MO; Sara (Jackson) Greenwell, Blue Springs, MO; Dawna (Jackson) [Kevin] Morris, Miller, MO; Garrett [Whitney] Jackson, Springfield, MO; Paul Jackson, Springfield, MO; Craig [Jen] Kinnison, Nixa, MO;  Josh Jackson, Kansas City, MO; Matt [Pam] Jackson, Raytown, MO; many great and great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews,  great and great-great nieces and nephews, and many dear extended family and friends.

Interment for Mary and her husband, Bill, will be on Monday,  July 22, 2024, at 9:00 am at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, located at 5201 S Southwood Rd. Springfield, MO. 65804. A funeral reception will follow at the Lake Springfield Boathouse, located at 2312 Lake Springfield Park Rd. Springfield, MO 65804.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the local chapter of the VFW Post 3404 may be made at the reception, or mailed to VFW Post 3404, 1136 E Atlantic St. Springfield, MO 65803.