Myra Lou Jackson

God molded Myra with a caring heart, gentle hands, loving arms, unwavering faith, self-sacrificing generosity, infectious laughter, encouraging words, creative spirit, and unconditional love, and gave her to this world as a most precious gift. One of Myra's favorite locations was the beach and the fresh water of Lake Michigan, especially if she was with family and friends. She also enjoyed zoos, museums, and theme parks like Disney World, Sea World, and Cedar Point. Myra was fond of family reunions, picnics, dinners, and holiday gatherings—really any opportunity to spend time with loved ones. Always active in her youth, she enjoyed swimming, fishing, hunting, gardening, and berry picking. Her musical talents included the piano, violin, guitar, and singing. Myra was quite the crafter, staying busy with knitting, crocheting, sewing, cross-stitching, quilting, and, in the last few years, coloring. She was a long-time member of Lakeland Reformed Church in Vicksburg, MI, volunteering for the library, nursery, and Sunday School for decades and modeling for her children the importance of a deep, real, active relationship with their Lord and Savior. Possessing a passion for working with children, especially those with special needs, Myra dreamed of becoming a teacher. Upon graduating from Western Michigan University, she taught at Waylee School from 1970-1975. After raising her daughter and son and many years of substitute teaching, she returned to the classroom at Climax-Scotts Elementary school from 1987 until her retirement in 2007, when she was named Teacher of the Year. Her students were her joy and kept her feeling young. She believed in each one and desired that her students learn important life lessons even more than academic ones in order to make a positive impact in the world. Myra was an inspiration to everyone who took the time to know her. Her struggles with Multiple Sclerosis, her defeat of breast cancer, and her fight against lung cancer taught us how important determination, ingenuity, and an abundant amount of spunk are to overcoming the disappointments and challenges life brings. Despite her mobility deficiencies, she became the ultimate armchair warrior who supported her loved ones with prayers, encouragement, and little song parodies and poems. Mom's prayer for her loved ones was that they would always remember how much God loves them; that they would allow God to guide them in making wise choices so their lives could be filled with joy, laughter, learning, and friendships; that they would always do their best, encourage and respect others, and never give up; and that they would be thankful for who God made them to be and all the blessings He provides. Her presence in our lives will be greatly missed, but her love and legacy will carry on in all our hearts and actions until we see her again in Heaven. Myra Jackson was born on May 25, 1947. Myra passed away peacefully on February 7, 2020. Myra is survived by her husband; Len Jackson: her children; Jon (Sherry) Erickson, Tina (Derek) Vande Slunt, and Jeffrey (Jennifer) Jackson: her grandchildren; Noah, Micah, Jenna, Payton, and Blake: her siblings; Judith (Alfred) Hoffmann, Kenneth (Joann) Swieringa, and Roger (Betty) Swieringa: as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews whom she dearly loved. Cremation has taken place per Myra’s wishes. Please visit her webpage to leave a memory for the family at www.avinkcremation.com. The family is being assisted by Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand St., Schoolcraft, MI 49087. (269)679-5622. Tribute song written by Jeff Jackson to honor his mother: https://youtu.be/X2KdXtMBZAQ