Ruthe Jackson

October 29, 1920-August 9, 2013

Ruthe moved to Grand Prairie in 1931, and later graduated from Dallas’ Sunset High School in 1938. She did an additional year of post-graduate work in math and science at Grand Prairie High School. She met her future husband, Vernon A. Jackson, while they both worked at North American Aviation, and they married on Sept. 10, 1944. They were the proud parents of daughters Xanna and Jorja.

An entrepreneur, she partnered with her husband in Jackson Vending Supply for many years. She was also a dedicated public servant, working in local, state, and national organizations for the betterment of communities everywhere. Ruthe’s community work began with her membership in the Fannin Elementary School PTA in 1948. She rose through the PTA ranks to serve as regional state vice president and state Cultural Arts Chairman. She was a Texas PTA Life and National Member, and she remained active in the Grand Prairie Post School PTA, which she founded. Jackson also served on the Dallas County School Board, District No. 4, from 1975-92, where she served as vice president 11 of those years. Ruthe established over 20 charitable organizations in our community.

Ruthe believed in making the world a more beautiful place. In 1967 she became a charter member of Keep Texas Beautiful and continued her work in beautification up until her death. First Lady Pat Nixon honored her in 1971 with a “Trigg” award at the National Clean-Up Congress in Washington D.C. Ruthe was instrumental in Grand Prairie receiving All-America City recognition in the mid-1970s. She received the State Keep Texas Beautiful Bluebonnet Award for her outstanding volunteerism in 1978 and 1988. In addition, she was the first woman to receive the national “Lady Bird Johnson” Award from Keep America Beautiful. She also received the Freedom Corps Call to Service Award from President George W. Bush in 2008. She received the Individual Gold Leaf Lifetime Award from the Texas State Forest Service in 2009.

One of the great joys of Ruthe’s life was serving the citizens of Grand Prairie on the Grand Prairie City Council. She was elected in 1985, serving until 1991 and then from 1993 until her death. She was currently serving on the council in the Place 7, at-large seat. She also served as Mayor Pro Tem and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem during her tenure on the council. She considered herself first and foremost an ambassador, working hard to represent her constituents and make Grand Prairie a better place to live, work, and worship.

In 2010, the City of Grand Prairie honored her as “Citizen of the Century” for her over 60 years of service to the Grand Prairie community. In addition, the City named their new multi-use conference and event venue The Ruthe Jackson Center in her honor. Ruthe was the first woman president of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce in 1981. The Chamber named her Citizen of the Year in 1969, 2005 and 2008. She earned the President’s award in 1990, the Athena Award in 1993 and got an Honorary Lifetime Membership in 1999. She also was named Volunteer of the Year in 2007. As an essential part of her leadership roles, Ruthe studied parliamentary law and procedure. She was a member of the Texas State Association of Parliamentarian from 1967 until her death. She was past state president 1974-75, and held many other offices. Ruthe also was a member and officer for the Grand Prairie Federation of Women’s Clubs, Soroptimist International of Grand Prairie, Friends of the Library, Arts Council, Garden Club and Woman’s Club.

Ruthe’s faith in God was central to her work and ministry. She and her husband were long-time members of CrossPoint Church of Christ (formerly Turnpike Church of Christ). Ruthe and Vernon founded the “Saturday Morning Prayer Breakfast” which they organized in 1985. Ruthe and Vernon had perfect attendance for 25 years. They prayed for thousands of individuals, churches, organizations, and governments during those Saturday times of prayer.

Family was an essential ingredient to a full life for Ruthe. She poured her heart and soul into her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved “Mr. Jackson,” Vernon; her parents; and sisters Mary Thompson Boyd and Doris Thompson Prewitt. She is survived by sister Laura Thompson Potter, and sisters-in-law Louise Jackson Vance, Mary Jackson Hickerson, and Gwen Jackson Seymour all of Grand Prairie. She has two daughters: Xanna Jackson Young and husband J.D. of Brenham, Tx; Jorja Jackson Clemson and husband Dan of Grand Prairie, Tx; five grandchildren: Rendi Hahn and husband Brian, Jay Young, Spencer Clemson and wife Christine, Leanna Garcia and husband Joel, Allison Allison and husband Stephen; and 13 great grandchildren: Katie and Rebekah Hahn; Caleb, Sidney, Ethan and Katelyne Young; Madison Clemson; Blake, Cade and Allie Grace Garcia; Luke, Lane and Boston Allison; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.