VIVIAN JACKSON

Vivian Jackson, 88, of Pleasant Hill, passed away January 2, 2019 at her home.
Vivian was born August 6, 1930 in Jones County, the youngest of six children to Clarence and Ada (Streeper) First. She graduated from high school and attended nurses training at the University of Iowa which she suspended to marry Herb Jackson in 1950. The couple farmed near Kellerton until 1987 where they raised their “best crop”, six children. They then moved north of Tingley and, late in life, both obtained their two-year Associates Degrees at Southwestern Community College in Creston where they were straight A students. In 1995, they moved to Pleasant Hill. Vivian worked as a secretary at Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement in Des Moines for many years until she retired. Vivian enjoyed her home, tweaking the décor, visits from her children and their families. She could be tough and no-nonsense, but also very loyal and loving. Herb benefited from her early nurses training and fierce devotion during times of accident and illness. They were both tested when their daughter, Shirley, passed away from cancer in 2005. Their love carried them through the trials and triumphs of life, providing examples to their children of what real love looks like.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Helen Bahnsen, Florence Luke, Mabel Anderson, Millard First, and Donald First; daughter, Shirley Rae Jackson on July 27, 2005; and her husband, Herb on January 11, 2013.
Those left to cherish her memory include children, Nancy Brechler and husband, Rick of Le Mars, IA, Dan Jackson and wife, Hope of Kellerton, IA, Doug Jackson and wife, Candi of Winterset, IA, LuAnn Jackson of Mount Ayr, IA, and Julie Sonksen and husband, Andrew of Fort Dodge, IA; 11 grandchildren Michael (Jessica) Brechler, Sam Sonksen, Stan (Katie) Stout, Matt (Casey) Stout, Jennifer (Tim) Creveling, Sara (Jesse) Anthony, Kim Brechler, Amelia Jackson, Katherine Jackson, Abbie (Joseph) Williams, Sara (Adam) Shaull; 18 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Services were on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Officiating was Pastor Bill Armstrong.
Pianist was Nancy Sackett and vocalist was Richard Jackson.
Special music was “Peace In The Valley” and “In The Garden”.
Casketbearers were Michael Brechler, Sam Sonksen, Jennifer Creveling, Stan Stout, Tim Creveling and Jesse Anthony.
Honorary casketbearers were Matt Stout, Sara Anthony, Kimberly Brechler, Amelia Jackson, Katherine Jackson, Abbie Williams, Sara Shaull, Adam Shaull, Joseph Williams, Jessica Brechler, Katie Stout and Casey Stout.
Vivian was laid to rest at Maple Row Cemetery in Kellerton, Iowa.
Memorial fund established in her name to be decided.