Ellen Jackson

Ellen Lynn Bowman-Jackson was born February 21, 1941, to the proud parents of Mr. Louis Bowman, Sr., and Mrs. Sarah Moore-Bowman of El Dorado, Arkansas. Ellen accepted Christ at an early age and united with Olive Branch Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor John Henry (J.H.) Rowe, Sr. She served in various capacities (i.e., usher, choir member, kitchen committee, and Sis. Bama Washington Sunday School Class) until her health began to fail.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis Bowman, Sr., and Sarah Moore-Bowman; and siblings: Robert Mason, Ocie Lean Bluford, Bessie Sockwell-Simpson, Dessie Bowman, Louis Bowman, Jr., and Ebbie Ree Woods.

She married Willie Earl Talley, and to this union one daughter was born: Bessie Louise Talley. She later married Verge Jackson, and to this union, two children were born: Mario Randolph Jackson and Stephanie Loraine Jackson.

Ellen attended Booker T. Washington High School (Class of 1959) in El Dorado, Arkansas, for her early education and later earned her nursing degree from Whiteside Nursing School in Camden, Arkansas.

In her professional life, she worked and later retired from the Medical Center of South Arkansas as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with 46 years of service. Her dedication, work ethic, and love for her profession left an indelible mark on those she worked with.

Ellen joined Derrick City Temple #352 of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World (I.B.P.O.E. of W) more than 40 years ago. Throughout her membership, she held numerous leadership roles, including Daughter Ruler of Derrick City Temple #352; First Vice President of the Arkansas State Association; Treasurer of the Henrietta Porter Past Daughter Ruler Council; Founder of the Arkansas State Association Nurses' Guild; and member of the I.B.P.O.E.W. Veterans Affairs Committee.

The memory of Ellen will be cherished by her children: Bessie Louise Talley of El Dorado, Arkansas; Mario (Paula) Jackson of Cromwell, Oklahoma; and Stephanie Jackson of McKinney, Texas. Her memory lives on through her grandchildren: Trecorve Jackson, Dryson Jackson, and Hunter Jones; her godson, Michael McGhee; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-greats, relatives, and friends.