Doris Hilda Marie Showell Jackson, loved life, people
Doris Hilda Marie Showell Jackson, 88, of Clarksville passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Georgetown.
Doris was born March 29, 1933, in Muddy Neck of Sussex County to the late Edith Perkins and Thomas Lewis (Fred Perkins). She attended Backwater Elementary School in Clarksville, and later completed her education and received her GED at the age of 62.
Doris was ready to take on the world as she left Sussex County and moved to Washington, D.C., where she was employed in the General Service Administration and the Naval Department for over 25 years. Later she decided to return to her roots in Delaware and went to work for the Carousel Hotel in Ocean City, Md., as the housekeeping manager. Then she sought employment at the Stockley Center as an attendant where her passion for caring for the handicapped was born.
Doris later retired on disability; however, she pursued her passion and became a foster parent for clients Benji Smith, Avery Douglas, and David Reynolds from the Stockley Center for over 26 years. She also was a foster grandparent to many for over 15 plus years. She loved to care for people who were unable to care for themselves.
She was a member of Union Wesley United Methodist Church of Clarksville. She served on the trustee and usher boards and continued her love for people through the United Methodist Women’s ministry. Doris was also a past worthy matron of Lily of the Valley Chapter No. 14, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation of Clarksville, and past most ancient matron of Rahab Court #3 of the Heroines of Jericho, Prince Hall Affiliation in Clarksville. She was a member of Fez Court No. 211 Daughters of Isis in Dover, and a member of the Order of the Golden Circle No. 93, Prince Hall Affiliation of Milton.
Doris met the love of her life and consequently, on the 2th day of November 2006, married John H. Jackson. She loved her married life, including the many trips they took together and spending time with her family. She always had a smile and would make you laugh whenever you came in contact with her. Doris surely loved life and people.
In addition to her mother, Doris was preceded in death by her husband, John H. Jackson; and two sons; Willie Massey Jr. and Willis Massey; three aunts Georganna Shavies, Dearie Showell Francis Showell; six uncles; Robert Showell, Clinton Showell, Tony Showell, Russell Showell, Floyd Showell and Pinkney Shavies.
She leaves to continue her legacy her children Deborah (Darrell) Melvin of Georgetown, Andre Worrell of Dover, Diane Gillette of North Carolina, Darlene (Rick) Showell of Millsboro and Jean Jackson of Salisbury, Md.; two sisters; Mary Ellen Diggs of Bayard and Maria (Ricky) Perkins of Selbyville; 17 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-children; and two great-great-great-grandchildren; a godchild, Unique Mona Hall of Georgetown; one daughter-in-law, Lillian Massey of Selbyville; a special aunt, Cora Showell of Columbia, Md. (age 92);, and her extended children, Petra Trader of Wilmington, James Trader and Donovan Slade of Seaford; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other close relatives and friends. Also, a special thank you to Elizabeth Boone and LeTisha Collick for caring for mom.
Doris believed and lived by this:
"Treat a person as he is, and he will remain as he is.
Treat him as he could be, and he will become what he should be."
- Author Unknown
Doris wrote her own obituary her words were: "It is time to rest now and it has been a good life and I would not change any part of it."
There will be a Celebration of Life service Saturday, May 22, at St. John 2nd Baptist Church, 26602 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, with a viewing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the service, commencing at 1 p.m. To offer words of comfort and sign the guest book visit www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com. Professional services entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Seaford.
