Cleo Jackson, age 98, passed away peacefully on Aug. 14, 2026, in Daphne, Alabama surrounded by her loving family. Her visitation service was held on Thurs., Aug. 20, 2026, at Pine Grove C.M.E. Church. Her celebration of Life service was held Fri., Aug. 21, 2026, at 11 am at the Daphne Civic Center.
“Mama Cleo” as she was affectionately called, was born to the late Willie I. and Mamie Lee Jackson on Nov. 28, 1927, in McWilliams, Alabama, yet Daphne became her home as her parents wanted a better life for their family. She attended Baldwin County Training School and continued a life filled with family, friends, and fellowship.
Raised to love the Lord and serve in His Kingdom, “Mama” Cleo became a member of Pine Grove C.M.E. Church where she faithfully served as a youth leader and a Trustee. Becoming a “Trustee Emeritus,” Sister Jackson remained active in the church that she loved until the Lord said otherwise. Her love for her God was evident in the way she embraced others as her own, and that love was embodied in every dish she prepared and every craft that she quilted.
God blessed her with longevity of life. Whenever afforded the opportunity, “Mama” Cleo enjoyed sharing the family’s history with her nieces, nephews, and all would give ear to listen. Many would visit her just to “soak up some wisdom.” Moreover, she cherished her love for young people and the elderly. Hence, she was a supporter of the Ruff Wilson Youth Organization, Inc., and throughout her lifetime, she received many accolades and achieved many accomplishments that not only blessed her but blessed others as well. From her years of working with Dr. L.S. Lights to being Site Manager for the Loxley Senior Center to her being a prominent voice of love and laughter at the Daphne Senior Center, Ms. Cleo always had a smile on her face and a praise of “This Little Light of Mine” in her heart, for the Lord had been so good to her.
Cleo was married to the late Robert Howard Bolar, and together they welcomed her only child who would always be the “Jewel” of her crown. As the Lord numbered her days, she witnessed the passing of her sisters Alice Johns, Rosetta Watts, and Erma Ellis as well as her brother Willie “Buddy” Jackson. Treasuring every moment she was blessed to have, Sister Jackson lived to be ninety-eight (98) years old when the Lord beckoned her to eternal joy and rest.
To celebrate her legacy while missing her deeply, “Mama” Cleao is survived by her only loving and truly devoted daughter, Jewel B. Lawson; her caring grandson, Marshall Dion (Tiffany) Lawson; great-grandsons, Jacob Dion Lawson and Hunter Anthony Collins; a brother, Leroy Jackson; a loyal adopted son, Fred “Mack” Lambert; Godchildren, Keiwanna Joiner, Lt. Col. (Retired) John (Tanya) Knight, Antoine Jackson-Lett, and Robert Taylor Bolar; a host of supportive nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Ruff Wilson Youth Organization, 1317 Johnson Road Daphne, Alabama 36526 (251-621-7171). Online condolences may be sent to Smalls Mortuary at https://www.smallsmortuary.com
