IN LOVING MEMORY OF SANDRA EAST JACKSON

Sandra was born Sandra Lee East on February 17, 1957 in Stockton, California to Jesse J. East, Sr. and Beulah “Pam” East. She was affectionately known as an “Army Brat” and was very proud of her father, who served in the Army for 31 years. Sandra lived in California, Arizona, Texas, Germany, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and of course Georgia. Her dad retired from the Army while in Ft. Benning, Columbus, GA in 1972. 

Sandra found refuge in Her Creator naturally from a young age, and chose to be baptized at Hunter Army Airfield Chapel in Savannah, GA at the age of 10. She attended George Washington Carver High School (home of the Tigers) where she loved being a majorette and was voted homecoming queen before graduating in 1975. She attended Columbus State University before accepting a job with Delta Air Lines in November 1978 and moving to Atlanta, GA. 

In 1981, Sandra was introduced to John W. Jackson, who always made her laugh with his quick wit. They married in 1985 and built a beautiful life together--raising two beautiful daughters, Jenna Lee and Jessica Nicole, whom Sandra often referred to as her “heartbeats”. In 2002, Sandra and her family were baptized together at Liberty Baptist Church.

Sandra was a creative, devoted and dedicated mother.  She was very active in her daughters years at Sandy Creek High School. She was a cheer mom to Jessica and served with the PTSO and Girls Basketball Booster Club. She also spent her free time attending Jenna’s Mercer Track meets, being the best pageant mom, and making goodie bags and care packages for any and everybody. In 2008, Sandra retired from Delta with 30 years of service. In July 2011, she was ecstatic to go back to work at Delta as an IT contractor.

When Sandra received the news that she had breast cancer in 2011, her lifelong trust and belief in God fully manifested. Throughout her nearly decade long battle, she praised God constantly, never complained, and met every nurse, doctor, and fellow patient with a smile, warm hug, and oftentimes a goodie bag. She also mentored other women who were battling breast cancer. She and her husband decided on the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University for her treatment. Sandra and John were also honored by being selected to serve on the Board at Winship. She always praised the care she received there, and she fought valiantly to maintain the highest quality of life, mentally and physically.
For over 10 years, she was an active member of Free Spirit Ministries and lived her faith everywhere she went. She never met a stranger, and illuminated even the darkest of spaces.  She believed in service, especially by taking care of young people. She mentored and nurtured hundreds of children and youth for over 30 years, and was affectionately known by them as “Mama Jack.” She loved all of her children, and they loved her.

Sandra found her rest in The Lord on Monday, May 4, 2020. She is preceded in death by her father, SMJ (Ret.) Jesse J. East, Sr. and her sister, Barbara Ann Whitner Davis. She is survived by her husband, John W. Jackson; two daughters, Jenna Lee X Jackson and Jessica Nicole Jackson; her mother, Beulah “Pam” East; her brother, Jesse J. East, Jr.; three brothers-in-law, Charles Jackson (Jackie), Wilburn Jackson, Robert Jackson (Beverly) ; and two sisters-in-law, Rose Jackson Pounds and Germaine Jackson. Two aunts, Elizabeth Trusclair and Ella East; a godson, William Miller; and her prayer warriors, Billie Carter, Shelease Dowdy, Carolyn King, Margaret Olds, Cynthia Sellars, and Barbara Sneed. She also leaves behind a granddog, Mason-Lacey; and a wonderful host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and co-workers.