Mary Ellen Jackson

Biography

Mary Ellen Taylor Jackson, 91, passed away on Aug. 15, 2012, in Provo, Utah, from causes incident to age. She was born March 26, 1921, to Albert LeRoy and Rachel Smith Taylor in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is a granddaughter of Joseph F. and Julina Smith, and great-granddaughter of Hyrum and Mary Fielding Smith. She always revered and honored her heritage of great church leaders.

She married Dr. Elvon Gee Jackson in the Salt Lake Temple and together they shared 60 happy years. They are the parents of 8 living children, 45 grandchildren, and, as of yesterday, 79 great-grandchildren.
In her youth she was a tomboy, loving to race other children in the neighborhood and often beating many of the boys in foot races. Mary Ellen loved to play tennis with her husband and friends. All of her children have been athletically driven and she has attended more sports events than you could ever count. Mom rooted so intently for her children’s teams that her neck would turn bright red!

She talked fondly of her good friends at Stewart school where dancing the maypole was the yearly highlight. At East High, she was quite the math whiz and excelled at tennis. Mary Ellen graduated in Home Economics from the University of Utah. Her education and skills proved to be a daily blessing to her family. She was an amazing cook and prepared meals that were not only delicious but looked beautiful on the plate. Her laundry service was beyond compare. A shirt worn on one day would often be cleaned, pressed and back in the drawer before the next morning. It seemed almost magical, when in truth, Mom was just a hard worker. She taught her daughters how to cook and sew and she was often a scout leader and even an athletic coach to her sons.

Mom was always cheerful, with a fun sense of humor and a quick wit. She never missed a good pun! Her attitude taught us to not take life too seriously and that sometimes laughter is the best solution.

Mary Ellen worked diligently in the church and in the community, serving and leading in various capacities, from PTA president to Relief Society president. She loved to teach children and youth and delighted in teaching young girls skills that they would be able to use in their future lives.

Mom felt quite inadequate when called to the church writing committee to write the Aaronic Priesthood manual. When called, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said to her, “You have six boys don’t you? They are good boys, aren’t they? Then get to work!” This turned out to be one of her favorite service opportunities as she became a serious student of the scriptures.

With her husband, she served a 3 year mission to the Laotian and Thai branch in Salt Lake City where they learned to love the people and a new culture. Mom always had a deep, strong testimony of Jesus Christ and unwavering devotion to the Church.

There was never a mother who was more proud of her children. Now we are proud of her and so impressed with the way she has cheerfully endured to the very end. Her example of resilience and positive attitude is a powerful legacy to us all. We will miss you Mom, but your love and lessons are forever in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elvon; a sister, Miriam (Garner B.) Meads; brother, LeRoy Taylor; a son Elvon Taylor Jackson; and two great- grandchildren, Chase Daniel Elggren and Susie Allen. She is survived by her sister, Marjorie (Howard) Sharp, brother, David (Lila) Taylor, and children: Steven (Pat) Jackson, Richard (Marianne) Jackson, Robert (Susan) Jackson, Nancy (Corey) Miller, Scott (Ruthanne) Jackson, Susan (David) Groesbeck, John (Stacey) Jackson, Alan (Stefeny) Jackson, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

There will be a viewing on Sunday, August 19th from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Foothill Sixth Ward, located at 2215 East Roosevelt Ave.(1450 South) in Salt Lake City.
Funeral services will also be held at the Foothill Sixth Ward chapel, located at 2215 E. Roosevelt Ave. on Monday, Aug. 20th, at 11:00 AM. There will be a viewing from 9:30 until 10:30 AM preceding the funeral. Interment at Eastlawn Memorial Hills, Provo, Utah. Funeral Directors, Russon Brothers Mortuaries.
Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com

The family would like to thank all of those who helped care for our sweet Mom.