Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. –Psalm 116:15. Have you ever met an angel? You have if you were blessed to have known Wanda Jackson. She touched so many lives with her incredible spirit, selflessness, unconditional love and energy. We had to say goodbye too soon as she was unexpectedly called to the Lord on Sunday, March 16, 2014.

Wanda Yvonne Ragland Jackson was born in St. Joseph Hospital on April 3, 1934, to her beloved parents, Vernon Lee and Bryan Bailey Ragland. A beautiful only child with Shirley Temple curls and exquisite hand-sewn dresses, Wanda grew up in Houston's Pecan Park area. Her intelligence soon earned her many scholastic achievements and accolades including National Merit Scholar and Valedictorian of Milby High School Class of 1952. Thereafter, she attended the Rice Institute (Rice University) where she continued to thrive and earned a B.A. in Foreign Language. While at Rice, the forces of nature put her in the path of medical student, Robert Andrew Jackson. Five days after graduation they married on June 7, 1956 and celebrated 57 years together with a true love for one another. Wanda's passion for education continued as she taught school in La Marque, Texas while Andy finished medical school at University of Texas in Galveston. They moved to Houston upon his graduation and she continued to teach at Braeburn Elementary. The next chapter would include the start of their family with the other "Fab Four": Nancy, Judy, Amy and Clay. "Ultimate Mom" was an understatement, as she tirelessly, effortlessly, and energetically gave so much to nurture and love her children. Her gourmet dinners and entertaining for many were unsurpassed along with endless carpooling, PTA meetings, baking, and welcoming so many to "Grand Central Station" on Rice Blvd. as well as many memorable weekends at the family farm. A devout Christian, she was deeply involved at South Main Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School, attended multiple Youth Camps, served as Deacon and helped with Pastoral Care. She was also very active as a teacher in Bible Study Fellowship and well as Community Bible Study. Wanda gave so much of her time and effort to the Boy Scouts of America and earned the highest award in leadership (Silver Beaver) as well as Family of the Year. Upon Andy's retirement, they settled in Livingston, Texas where they enjoyed many happy years. MOM (WOW) will live in our hearts forever and her love and light with shine on.

Survivors include her husband, Dr. Andy Jackson; daughter, Nancy Fisher of Livingston; daughter, Judy Jackson and partner Coye Prince of Houston; daughter, Amy Jackson and Paul Herman of The Woodlands; son, Clay Jackson of Livingston; grandchildren, Wayne, Stephanie, and Carol Fisher, and Kendall and Bailey Jackson; great-grandchildren, Shawn and Spender Fisher. The family wishes to thank her dear friend, Maggie Johnson for being such an important part of the Jackson family for over 50 years.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2014, at 4:00 PM, at Westmoreland Chapel at South Main Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to South Main Baptist Church or the Sam Houston Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com