Obituary for Mrs. Farris Ann Jackson

Mrs. Farris Ann Stevens Jackson — affectionately remembered as Farris — peacefully completed her earthly journey on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Diversacare of Lanett, Alabama. She was 75 years of age.

Born on February 20, 1950, in Roanoke, Alabama, Farris was the daughter of the late K.C. Stevens and the late Emma Nell (Bell) Stevens. She grew up in Randolph County, where her roots run deep, and where her heart would forever call home.   As a youngster, she attended the historic Randolph County Training School in Roanoke, along with her other siblings and playmates.  Early in life, she united herself with the family church home, Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church in the "Springfield" community.  She remained faithfully connected to Wehadkee until she was called home.  

In her younger years, Farris was active in the Senior Choir of Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church, where her voice and presence brought encouragement to the congregation. She also found fellowship in the Ministers’ Wives group, cherishing her sisterhood in faith.

A woman of gentle spirit and quiet strength, Farris lived most of her life in Roanoke before moving to Lanett following her marriage to Reverend Elijah Jackson, Jr. on December 23, 2005, at Wehadkee Missionary Baptist Church. She took great pride in her role as a minister’s wife, faithfully supporting her husband in every aspect of his pastoral service.  Side by side, they attended programs, worship services, and church events — she always carried herself with dignity as his devoted spiritual partner.

Farris’s life was centered on her home, her family, and her church. She was, as her loved ones fondly recall, “the ultimate housewife.” While some found joy in employment beyond the home, Farris discovered her deepest contentment in caring for her loved ones. She prepared meals, kept house, and made sure her family was surrounded by warmth and comfort. Her brother, Grady, remembers her as someone who loved serving others — never reluctant to give of herself to ensure someone else was happy.  Her beloved husband, Reverend Elijah Jackson, Jr. remembers her as "A Good Wife." (Proverbs 31).

Farris was preceded in death by her parents;  daughters: LaTasha Shears and Shirley Shears Henry (Robert); siblings: brothers: Savoy, K.C., and Steve Stevens; and one sister, Velma Stevens Henderson, along with many others who now welcome her into that great cloud of witnesses.

Her memory will be treasured by her loving husband of nearly twenty (20) years and her beloved Pastor of over fifty-two (52) years, The Reverend Elijah Jackson, Jr. of Lanett, Alabama; her children arising from her first marriage to George "Snag" Shears: George Shears, Jr. and Gregory Shears of Sylacauga, AL; Sherry Shears Bush (Clifford) of Newnan, GA; Sabrina Shears (Stephen) of Opelika, AL; and her children arising from her second marriage to Clarence "Pee-Wee" Tucker: Jeremy Shears and Whitney Tucker both of Lanett, AL, and Brittney Tucker of Roanoke; four (4)  bonus children whom she lovingly embraced through her second marriage to Clarence “Pee-Wee” Tucker, Sr:  Clarence Tucker, Jr.,  Angelia Pertillo, Eugene Tucker all of Roanoke;  Rickey Tucker of Lanett, AL; and finally — but certainly not least:  from her last marital union with the Reverend Elijah Jackson, Jr.:  three (3) bonus children: Funcello Jackson-Bagley (Norman) of Lagrange, GA, Christopher Jackson (Sharon) Of Lawrenceville, GA, and Lace "Rohn" Jackson (Wandalyn) of Charlotte, NC.  

She also leaves behind 41 grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren, and what the family fondly describes as “a great host of grandchildren who may not be included or can’t be counted but who are yet loved and embraced as part of the Jackson family.”

She will also be remembered by her siblings: Grady Stevens (Jonnie), Peggy Sue Trammell (Ralph), Sarah Eva Phillips (Willie), all of Roanoke, and Ruby Jewel Stevens Morgan (Lou) of Sharpsburg, GA; sisters-in-law Deloris Stevens and Mattie Ruth Stevens of Roanoke; her aunts Ruth Jean Owensby of Dayton, OH, and Frances Whatley of Atlanta, GA; along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

In keeping with her love for hats, Mrs. Jackson will be remembered with a special “hat display” during her services.

Her family, church, and community will cherish her as a woman who found joy in serving others, who loved deeply, and who lived gracefully in her calling as wife, mother, sister, and friend.

Final care and compassionate service for Mrs. Farris Ann Jackson have been entrusted to Clark Memorial Funeral Service of Roanoke.

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