Mary Alice Nance Jackson, mother, grandmother, educator, and pioneer, entered this world on September 15, 1946, in Miami, Florida, born to the late Lottie Dale Young. She was the oldest of three children. Mary attended Miami-Dade County public schools. While attending high school, Mary loved to dance. She was the first one on the dance floor and enjoyed performing for others. Mary graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High School in 1964. 

 

Mary went to college and earned her degree. She became a certified educator in 1973 and taught physical education. Mary taught for Miami-Dade County schools for several years and her favorite students were sixth grade students. She loved her babies.

 

After college, Mary met and later married Danny A. Jackson on September 14, 1973. Mary had two beautiful sons. She loved her boys and spent most of her free time taking care of them and spending time with her family. Mary was very skillful in a variety of activities and enjoyed cooking, baking, and often would just sit on the porch enjoying nature. 

 

She always loved children and raised her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The house was always filled with aromas. Cooking was her forte’ and her specialties included macaroni and cheese, potato salad, collard greens, barbeque ribs, turkey wings, smothered pork chops, and a host of other dishes. She also taught her grandchildren how to cook and many times they would welcome the opportunity to just watch her and smell the delicious foods. 

 

Mary Alice Nance Jackson leaves to cherish her many, many years of memories: her children, Keith Patrick Nance “KP” and Mark Fitzgerald Nance “Joe Boy”; grandchildren, Markeva Lushawn Lynn, Mark Fitzgerald Nance, Jr., Markel Kaytron Nance “DuDu”, and Markya Danielle Nance; great-grandchildren, Leroy Antonio Minnis “Chucky”, Brian Seay, Brianna Seay, and Jamiley Singletary “Miley”; and a host of other family members and friends.