JACKSON: Edna Marie 1-21-2013

Edna Marie, the first of five children, was born to Boone and Lucy Thomas on August 8, 1916 in Asher, Arkansas. We were blessed to have her among us for 96 wonderful years until her passing on January 20, 2013.

She was only 8 years old when she moved with her parents, two brothers and two sisters to Porter, Oklahoma. Also growing up on a farm nearby was a young man named Herman Jackson. They were married in May of 1935, lived in Haskell, Oklahoma and had two sons, Bill and Wayne.

In 1943, Herman's job with Dupont brought the family to Richland. Later on he joined the Fire Department of the newly incorporated City of Richland. About the only thing Edna didn't care very much for in this new land was the sand. And that only got worse when the wind would blow and pile the sand up on the outside of the front door making it very difficult to open. As time made way for improvements, she grew to love the area.

Keeping busy with raising her sons, Edna found the bus system to be very helpful. In addition to being her only mode of transportation she found she made a lot of friends on those trips. In 1945 she became a member of the Richland Church of Christ and that also turned out to be a wonderful source for lifelong friendships.

Never being one to sit around, Edna went to work as the kitchen manager at Richland High School. Those children were so fortunate to have her in their kitchen because not only was she a wonderful cook, she loved cooking. After cooking for children for 18 years, she retired and along with Herman, was set to enjoy retirement by taking in the 1970 baseball spring training in Arizona.

But Herman passed away a short 4 months after retiring and Edna's world took on a whole new existence. Being a lady of style, she went to work at Robinson's Department Store in downtown Richland. Then Altera Retirement Home was under construction and her children encouraged her to get rid of the condo stairs and consider moving into Altera. That was 23 years ago and today that home she enjoyed so much is known as Wynwood.

Edna was preceded in death by her parents, husband Herman, son Wayne, daughter-in-law Carol, brothers Jack Thomas of Richland WA and Bill Thomas of Muskogee OK,

She is survived by her son, Bill Barbara of Walla Walla WA, Sisters Euna Martin of Haskell OK and Mavis J.H. Mashburn of Idabel OK, Grandchildren: Ricky Jackson of Richland WA, Mike Jackson of Walla Walla WA, Teri Rick Farber or West Richland WA, Julie Eric Pierson of East Wenatchee WA, Herb Shirley Jackson of Kent WA, Kirby Rosanna Jackson of Rocklin CA and Christine Jackson-Kirnon of Rocklin, CA. Seven Great Grandchildren: Megan, Jeffery, Brian, Bradley, Blaine, Jacob and Jaymie.

The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the entire staff at Wynwood, The Tri Cities Chaplaincy and Dr Leedy and his staff for the care and comfort each has provided throughout Edna's life time.

For those wishing to honor Edna's life, she would like you to consider a donation to the Richland Church of Christ at 933 Thayer Drive in Richland in lieu of flowers.

A Graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 915 Bypass Highway, Richland.