WHITE STONE—Eleanor Jackson was born Emma Eleanor Arnold on August 24, 1936, to Rev. Clarence and Mary Arnold in Hagerstown, Md. One of her fondest memories of childhood was to lay in bed at night and listen to the distant train whistles in the mountains knowing her grandfather, who worked the night shift for the B&O Railroad for 40 years, was out there somewhere.
She met and married the love of her life, Jimmy D. Jackson, in December of 1954 and enjoyed over 71 years of a faithful relationship centered on Jesus Christ and family.
An astute businesswoman, Eleanor spent much of her life in the work force. She sometimes worked for other companies and at times owned and operated her own. One of her favorites was a yarn and fabric store she owned. She had a unique gift of teaching others how to create beautiful “handmade” products with just raw materials. It was a talent she shared with many throughout her life.
Through most of the 1980s she owned and operated three boarding houses for over 40 international students in Washington, D.C. It was an experience she spoke of often.
After retiring and moving full time to White Stone for a few years, Jim and Eleanor decided to try their hand at ranching and moved to Texas where they were successful in their venture by raising Brangus cattle and emus on their 109-acre ranch. As they were headed toward their second retirement, Eleanor finished up her last few working years as one of top salespersons of Star Furniture in Bryan, Texas, selling furniture to the likes of Texas A&M football coaches and some guy named Chuck Norris.
Jim and Eleanor moved back to the White Stone area for good in 2011. Even with her dedicated labor in the workplace, Eleanor always put faith and family above it all. She was an avid piano player and loved to play for the churches she attended. She made sure her home was centered on Christian principles, which she instilled into her children. Although she will be sorely missed by many here on earth, we rejoice that she is finally home with her Savior Jesus Christ and reunited with many family members and friends.
Eleanor passed away on October 7, 2026.
She leaves behind her loving husband, Jimmy D. Jackson; daughter, Robin (and Fr. James Waltenberger), son- Rev. Jimmy D. Jackson Jr. (and Julie); son, Rev. Jeffrey G. Jackson (and Angie); eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and fond memories that will last forever.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 17, at Currie Funeral Home in Kilmarnock.
“She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:” Proverbs 31:27-28
