Mary Liza Rhodes Jackson celebrated the century mark last week.
Jackson was born July 5, 1921 to Henderson and Minnie Rhodes, and turned 100 years old Monday, July 5.
Approximately 40 to 50 friends and family members attended her drive-by celebration at her home the Meadowview Village Apartments July 4. The Coahoma County Sheriff’s Office and Clarksdale police and fire departments were also present.
Jackson was one of 10 siblings with seven brothers and two sisters who preceded her in death.
In 1935, she was married the late R.T. Jackson. They had one son the late George Lee Jackson.
Jackson spent much of her life as a domestic worker and caregiver.
She joined Mary Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Jonestown. Later on she joined Jazz Land Missionary Baptist Church for 65 years until its closing. Now, she is a proud member of the St. James Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Bennie Brown since 2019.
“I am happy I have lived to see five generations of my great-grand, my great-great grand in her youth years,” Jackson said.
She attended Jonestown Elementary School and later on in life, she attended a basic adult class to better prepare for life. She graduated at the top of her class.
She confessed a hope in Christ at the age of 12 years old and she has been running for Him ever since.
“It hasn’t been easy, sometimes stumbling, sometimes falling down, but you get up and dust yourself off and keep on going and tell Him, ‘Lord, thank you,’” Jackson said.
“I love people and in order to live a long life, put God first in everything you do,” Jackson explained. “Treat people the way you want to be treated. If your neighbor needs help, you help him. Help him with an open heart. Hold your head up. Keep the faith. Don’t give up. God will give you that traveling grace.”
And Jackson’s prayer and promise has not stopped.
“One-hundred years,” she said, “Lord, I thank you.”
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