First Lady Helen S. Jackson

Helen Saundra Jackson passed away peacefully at home on October 27, 2025 to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 86. She was a woman of deep faith and unwavering kindness, dedicating her life to Christ, she served her family and her community and strongly believed that “Only what you do for Christ will last.” She was born on December 15,1938, to Mattie Mae Sessions and Daniel Palmer Sessions in Newark, New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her parents Mattie Mae Sessions and Daniel Palmer Sessions (New Jersey), a brother, Rev. Thomas J Martin (New Jersey), first husband Johnathan M. Bryant (New Jersey), and a son, Darrell Bryant (New Jersey). She attended Lincoln Preparatory school (Bordentown NJ); Beth Israel Nurse School (now Rutgers University NJ), and Carvers Bible College. After attending Beth Israel Nurse School, she became a registered nurse and worked in several hospitals in New Jersey. She worked for the KCMO School District where she mentored students. She was an avid lover of arts and crafts and participated in numerous craft shows. In her early years she sang with Dionne Warwick and Cissy Houston and grew up with Melba Moore and Clifton Davis. As a soloist, she has been blessed to perform in her own concerts sharing her gift of music. She has performed at musicals and concerts for fund raising events, church programs, weddings, and homegoing’s. She was privileged to be showcased in the newspaper in the State of Washington as the best cook for “Helen’s Kitchen, the Best in the Northwest” for her soup and her hot water corncakes. She joined in marriage with Johnathan M. Bryant (preceded in death) in Newark New Jersey in 1959, of which 3 daughters Sheryl Brooks, Valerie Stevenson and Crystal Bryant were born and 1 son Darrell Bryant (preceded in death). On Memorial Day, May 31, 1966, she met Retired Presiding Elder Rev. Roger D. Jackson in Newark New Jersey, married, and relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. She remained married to him up until her passing. Of that union 1 son was born Roger J. Jackson. She showed how much her family meant to her also by raising two of her granddaughters, Kandice Jackson and Deaisha Thomas. She became a member of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church to continue her walk with God and showcased her voice as a member of their choir. Her Christian journey took her to Yakima, Washington where she was employed at the library as well as assisting with a food program. She later relocated to Denver and continued her walk of faith becoming a member of Jordan A.M.E. and Campbell A.M.E. churches. She organized Soup Kitchens while in Denver at each of the churches she belonged to. She was President of the Midwest Conference Women’s Missionary Society A.M.E. Church 5th District at the local and conference level. She sang in the choir at both Jordan A.M.E. and Campbell A.M.E. church while in Denver. When she re-located back to Kansas City, MO, she attended Ward Chapel A.M.E. church joining the choir. She served as a Trustee of Ward Chapel A.M.E church. Along with her daughter Valerie, she started the Willing Workers Group at Ward Chapel A.M.E. as well as serving in the soup kitchen. She leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved husband Retired Presiding Elder, Rev. Roger D Jackson (KCMO); 3 daughters-Sheryl Brooks (North Dakota); Valerie Stevenson (William) (KCMO); Crystal Bryant (KCMO); a son Roger J Jackson (Sharay) (KCMO). A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday November 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Ebenezer AME Church 3808 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. KCMO 64130. Interment: Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation: 9 -11:00 a.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com. MSTC Sunset.com

First Lady Helen S. Jackson

December 15, 1938 - October 27, 2025