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On Thursday, June 25th, 2020, Sallie B. Jackson received her angel wings, and flew home to be with her Lord and Savior at the age of 103.  Sallie was born on January 9, 1917 to Maggie Wheeler and Rufus Byrd, in Camden, Alabama, and raised in Selma.

Sallie was valedictorian of her senior class at Selma University High School, and an honor graduate of Alabama State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and M.ED in Administration Supervision.  During her remarkable career as an educator, she became the first Principal of New Knox Elementary School, and served in the Selma Public School system for 37.5 years. 

Sallie’s professional affiliations include the National Education Association, the Alabama Education Association, the Selma/Dallas County Education Retirees Association, and AERA.

Sallie absolutely loved her church.  She was a dedicated and faithful member of Northern Heights Presbyterian Church, where she served as Trustee, Deacon, Elder, Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, Historian, Director of the church’s day care, and choir member.  She served as President of the Women’s Organization in her church.   She was a devoted member of the Presbytery of Shepherds and Lapsley. 

As a humanitarian and philanthropist, she believed it imperative that she live her life in service to others.  During her retirement, she enjoyed painting, and produced artwork that earned her recognition as “Artist of the Month” by the Selma Art Guild.  She was a member of the Improved Progressive Culture Club

Sallie was preceded in death by three siblings, Carrie Cunningham, Julius Gullet, and Ann Bailey.  She is survived by her only child, Barbara J. Fears, a granddaughter, Barbara D. Fears, three nieces, Hazel Peace, Brenda McNeil, Teresa Robinson, a nephew, Leonard Griffin, and other relatives and friends.

A private graveside service was held on June 30th at 11 a.m. at Serenity Memorial Gardens, directed by Randall Miller Funeral Services.  The family requests donations to the American Cancer Society, at www.donate3.cancer.org, in lieu of flowers.  Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.randallmillerfuneralservice.com/obituary/mother-sallie-jackson.