Birth Date:
1920-07-16
Deceased Date:
2022-06-04
Obituary:
I was welcomed into this world on July 16,1920, into the loving arms of my dear parent, The ophilus and Estelle Smilley Barnett in Matthews, Alabama in a wooden clapboard home built by my father. My paternal grandparents Samuel Prince and Aggie Barnett shared in the nurturing and development of my early youth and sought to protect and prepare me for the challenges of our time. Grandma Aggie, my best friend, gave me her name at birth which was immediately edited by my mother to include her mother's name, Alice. Thus becoming, Aggie Alice Mildred Barnett. I was the firstborn of my most loving siblings; George, Tom Dorothy, Elizabeth and Theophilus II. My father would later remarry, adding Willie Ann McClain to our family circle.
Our home, across the road from my Grandparents, up the road from my many first cousins, a stone's throw from our school and church, sat upon our very own land that survives me, but still takes rest within holds of the Barnett family today. First cousins were plentiful and ever present as my father was one of nine, and my mother was one of seventeen children, producing wealth of off springs for generations to come. Some of my Barnett cousins also lived on the family property which made for ready playmates. We were all remarkably close.
Our church, Church of Christ, had been well attended by two generations of my family before me. My grandparents were immovable in their faith and shared their love of God with us. Family was everything and the gratitude of having it anchored our prayers. Our thankful prayers greeted each morning, closed each day, and peppered our every meal. Scratched up meals prepared by my Grandma Aggie and homemade ill remedies made by my grandpa Prince drew many visitors who were always welcome.
The expansive Barnett land gave host to Pecan, Fruit and Cotton trees, horses, livestock and corn fields, the labor of which consumed much of my early life but produced much reward by way of fanciful feasts at Christmas and on holiday-like Sunday shared by family and friends. I had a horse that shared my name, Alice. The laborious take of farming bred within me enduring strength and perseverance that has served me well. In later years I attended Montgomery Public Schools and "Bama State" under the tutelage of my maternal Aunts and Uncles who were my teachers, principal, and ever present disciplinarians. If I were ever brave enough to act up in school, I would be spanked by them, and again by my mom when I got home, as those were her people, and should not stand for any embarrassment nor shame to the Smiley name. She would often remind me; my Grandpa Smiley was the Reverend GW Smiley. I was both a Majorette and Basketball player in school. I loved twirling and flipping that baton and was good at it. An act of which drew scoffs from fellow classmates. "That Alice Barnett thinks she's something," they would say and pick fights with me. I did not like fighting, but could, as well as curtsy, I was equally gifted at basketball, where I played center, and gymnastics. I also loved fishing and would do it often, for years to come.
It was in Montgomery where I later met and married my one and only husband, true love, and father of all my beloved children, Dennis Elmore Jackson. He would give me another name, affectionately calling "Snookie."
Our matrimony, while destined, was met with caution by my parents who perceived it to be a detour from my pending college education. Indeed, it was.
Dennis and I headed North, as did many others, to Michigan by way New York where he was based during the military. We settled Michigan, first in River Rough, and later in Detroit. The Lord blessed us with a newly constructed home on Beatrice Street, and seven children to put in it: six boys, Dennis, twins Lawrence and Lowell, Wallace (Althea - dec), Pastor Jerry (Deborah), George, and years later, one girl, Marqudi (Nathan). I enjoyed Motherhood with all its trials and rewards. I purposed to instill the values in my children that were instilled in me, plagiarizing the handbook of my Parents and Grandparents, placing then in the hands of the Lord. I love all my children dearly, and ensured they knew it. I would later love their spouses as my very own.
Upon arrival in Michigan, I planted my feet in the footprints of generations of Barnetts before me, becoming a member of Church of Christ; Holiford Street Church of Christ in River Rouge, MI where I worshipped until the present, now under the leadership of Bro. Leon Mullens (Emma). In my glory years I would enjoy visits to Abundant Life Ministries to worship with my son and daughter-in' love', Pastor Jerry and Deborah Jackson and their loving church family, experiences that blessed my beyond measure.
Family has always been important to me, and I thank the Good Luck for every branch of our family tree. I looked forward to each reunion, celebration, and any opportunity just to be among them. I have often said I have some good people.
My grandchildren are so ever so precious to me; Marqudi Tyler, my first granny (Reggie), Calvin Lavender Jackson, Alice Elizabeth Thompson, my lil Aggie (Weldone), Kelly Cooper, Leah Crawford, Deshon Jackson, Hebe lee Jackson, Tyruse Walls (Tina), Dennis Brooks Jackson (Keisha), Jeffy Cooper, Jerry Allen Jackson II, and preceding my death; Terrell Jackson (Tamiko) and Rekeyia Sanghott (Amadou). All of whom have brought me boundless joy. I have always kept an open home and heart to "my grannies" as I affectionately call them and often carried them to church with me. I enjoyed them most in bunches at a time. Them more the merrier, as the saying goes. In their younger years, they would sleep any and everywhere in our humble abode and would make a mess oft he kitchen while cooking breakfast in the mornings. The tight space made the laughs louder, the nugs stronger and the love that much bountiful. Together, they have added some twenty-six great grandchildren, and seventeen great-great grandchildren and counting to the family tree. All dear to me.
To God be the Glory for my growth and grace in the knowledge of Christ over the years. God had truly been good to me! He has remained faithful and just, even when I have faltered. He has brought me through some trying and difficult spaces, including the sudden death of my husband, two children; Dennis and Lawrence, siblings; Dorothy Gray, Elizabeth Elder, and George Barnett. Iam eternally grateful for His gift of Salvation and have benefitted from the His promises. My Lord Jesus Christ has readied me for Glory. Whom I leave behind, I hope to see in Glory; children, grandchildren, great -grandchildren and those who are yet to come, my one surviving brother; Theophilus II, nieces, nephews and host of relatives and friends.
May God be with you. The Good Lord has beckoned me!
Love,
Mama
