Irene Elizabeth Jackson (known to many as “Mom†Jackson), 84, of Millsboro, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, after a very long battle with COPD and congestive heart failure. She was born March 5, 1930, in Wilmington, the daughter of Kasmer and Elizabeth Zakrociemski.
On Nov. 8, 1946, Irene Elizabeth Zakrociemski married the first love of her life Layman Lenar Jackson, and for 67 years shared a life together through good times and bad. She was a wonderful wife and a loving and caring mother. During the years her husband was a long distance truck driver, she spent many nights alone taking care of the household needs and her children with always having a hot, home cooked meal prepared just for him upon his return from a trip. Her children will be forever grateful for the silliest times together that brought laughter in their hearts, her unselfishness that met their wants and needs before hers, and most of all the hugs, kisses and unconditional love that she gave through the years of raising them.
Her working years included managing the Hobo Beach Motel in Rehoboth, owner of Irene’s Cleaning Services, and a hard working homemaker. She enjoyed camping, bowling, going to the powwow, the bean bash, and definitely was an avid NASCAR fan of Brad Keselowski. She never wanted to miss BJ’s Auction night, owned by Arnold Huffman, who for 30 years thought of her as a mother. The simplest things of life made her happy, such as crocheting, crossword puzzles, riding around the neighborhood, game of solitaire or 500 rummy, listening to gospel music, boardwalk Thrasher fries, and even getting a cup of coffee at McDonald’s drive-up window. Last but not least, she loved to cook and year after year prepared Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Kasmer and Elizabeth Zakrociemski; her sister, Mildred Broomall; and brother, Edward Zakrociemski.
She is survived by her husband Layman L. Jackson of Millsboro; her three children, Layman (Butch) Jackson and fiancé’ Jodi of Seaford, Sandra E. Appling and her husband Robert of Dover, and Sharon K. Jackson of Millsboro; two grandchildren, Robert Shane Appling of Claremont, N.C. and Aaron L. Appling and his wife, Ivy Lyn of Dover; two great-grandchildren, Hunter Blaine Appling of Claremont, and Sophia Isabella Appling of Dover; her brother, Casmer Zakrociemski and his wife Blonnie of Laurel; a brother-n-law, Clarence Warren of Millsboro; several nieces, nephews, and an enormous amount of friends.
Services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 Washington St., Millsboro. Friends may call between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. with the service beginning at 1p.m. Interment at Harmony Cemetery, Hillsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Mid Sussex Rescue Squad, 31738 Indian Mission Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Letters of condolence may be emailed to www.watsonfh.com.