02/12/2024
Remembering Family:
ELVIRA F ELLIS JACKSON
1857-1925
Author of the following: Regina Mildred Jackson, granddaughter of Elvira Ellis edited A. Stewart: Grandmother was a Devout Christian, church advisor, bible reader -- daily. Often during the night when she awakened -- she read her Bible which she kept at her bedside. Community Counselor -- The community solved problems as `Miss Elvira` thought it best to solve them. An unofficial `Lawmaker` of the community.
One of the first Negro Educators of South Mississippi, she was loved, respected, and honored by the entire Poplar Hill Community (the first African American women to receive certification in Southwestern Mississippi).
Her devotion to the Community matched that which had been extended to her. She did all that was in her power to assure the success of community activities. One small example which stands out in my memory was her annual dinner which served large numbers of students from Alcorn College and other visitors who had come for the church revival. She felt that such guests must not have to return home and to have to eat food on the church grounds. That would not speak well for the hospitality of the community. Therefore, the feast was prepared and enjoyed by dozens.
Her home was a place of beauty by standards of the early 1900`s. Beautiful bedspreads with matching eyelet ruffled pillow covers and bolster covers made a youngster feel that she was witnessing true riches. One stood in awe and observed the dignity and regal attire of Grandfather Fielding and others who seemed ready to speak noble greetings to you.
Grandmother`s and Aunt Henrietta`s wardrobes consisted of the fashions of their day. There were the tucks, laces, ruffles, eyelets, and full skirts always becoming to each of them. Ruffles for petticoats were often 18 to 24 inches deep eyelet. These helped make the skirt or dress perfect. Ribbons and jewelry helped complete the ladies` fashions. I have searched Webster`s New Collegiate Dictionary trying to select the right word to do justice to Grandmothers character. I tried modest, chaste, and others. Finally, I decided that `Impeccable` best explains the wonderful character that I thought she exemplified. One example might give you an idea of what I`m trying to tell you. She went into the market one day and asked the price of a certain piece of meat. An old guy hanging around told her not to worry about the price. `If Jack (my father) doesn`t pay for it I will. ` She went home and cried herself sick over such an insult. When Uncle Horace came to town later in the week and told Dad, he went over and asked the guy to apologize. He refused. Dad attacked him causing a racial flair-up that resulted in our being rushed to a distant neighbor’s home for the night and Dad spending the night in a huge tree armed. The mob did not come as planned and community leaders calmed things down. Well, I repeat as I knew her, she made 100 on integrity.
Elvira Ellis Jackson was born in Jefferson County, MS in 1857. She met and married Fielding Walden Jackson, Sr in March 1877. This union was blessed with 7 children all with outstanding resumes. She founded and taught at Poplar Hill School from about 1875 until 1924 a year before her death. Always willing to be of service in her home, her church, the school, and the local community. She made her transition on 5 Sep 1925. To her grandchildren that numbered 35 she was and even to this day she continues to be known as “Grandma El”.
*Docu-Movie coming soon Produced by: GeLia Production Company, LLC a film by Coach JUSTgeorge
