Julia Mae "Tennie" Jackson

On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, God peacefully called Julia Mae Jackson home to eternal rest. Affectionately known as “Teeny,” “Try Me,” and “Tennie,” she departed this life surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of strength, faith, protection, and unconditional love that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Julia was born on August 10, 1934, in Columbus to the late Fannie Mae Wiley and Willie Louis Wiley. She was a woman whose life reflected resilience, sacrifice, and deep devotion to family.

She was united in marriage to the late Luke Jackson Jr., and together they built a family grounded in love and perseverance. Julia was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and matriarch who dedicated her life to caring for others.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Luke Jackson Jr.; her children, Kelson Brooks, Larry William, Ronnie Jackson, and Regina Harris; along with many loved ones who welcomed her into eternal peace.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her children, Lucille Thorpe, Barbara Johnson, Glenda Jones, Lisa Parkin, Eric Jackson, Daryl Gray, Julia Jackson, and James Jackson; 33 grandchildren; 61 great-grandchildren; 21 great-great-grandchildren; host of family members, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends.

Julia was a faithful member of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, where she loved worshipping the Lord and spending time with her church family. Her faith remained the foundation of her life and guided the way she cared for others.

Though she earned her living caring for homes, her true purpose in life was caring for people. She was the heart of the family — protective, nurturing, strong, and dependable. She made sure everyone was fed, checked on, corrected when needed, protected, and loved. To many, she was not only family, but a source of comfort, wisdom, and security.

Julia loved gardening, cooking, grilling, traveling, listening to music, and attending church. She found her greatest joy in family gatherings, laughter, good food, and simply being surrounded by the people she loved most.

Though she stood only 4’11”, Julia’s presence filled every room she entered. She was feisty, sassy, protective, and unforgettable. Her famous sayings, “Try it if you wanna” and “Try Me,” perfectly reflected her bold spirit and loving fierceness. Beneath that strong exterior was a nurturing woman whose sacrifices and love shaped generations.

Julia Mae Jackson was deeply loved because she loved deeply. She carried many people through difficult seasons, opened her heart and home to others, and gave endlessly of herself without hesitation. Her absence leaves a tremendous void, but her love, strength, wisdom, and spirit will continue to live on through every life she touched.

The family finds peace and comfort in the words of Scripture:

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

— Romans 12:19

Visitation with family and friends will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service celebrating Julia's life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. Afterward, Julia will be laid to rest in Tharpe Cemetery.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.