Elva May Jackson

Elva May Jackson passed away peacefully on November 30, 2022 at the age of 90 years old. She was born on September 27, 1932 in Pixley, Ca. The daughter of Clarence and Chloe Miller, Elva had 8 siblings. 

Elva married Melvin “Ray” Jackson December 1, 1948 and had 2 children, Kathie Smith and Melvin Jackson. They lived many years in McCloud and Cottonwood before moving to Ukiah. Elva & Ray celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary together in heaven, united once again. 

She worked very hard in her earlier years. From potato & cotton fields to working for the Forestry Service as well as house cleaning and running a flea market shop for many years. Elva stayed active in past years, helping sell popcorn with her daughter at Grace Hudson School and volunteering at the Dorkas clothing closet. 

Elva loved popcorn, dominoes, playing cards with family, and singing karaoke as often as possible. She had an amazing voice and loved Dolly Parton and was lucky enough to see her in concert in 2005. Elva sang and recorded many of Dolly’s songs as well as others and wrote some songs too. Elva loved being with family and we all loved being with her and listening to her great stories. It’s amazing what details she remembered and shared from her past. 

In addition to her parents, Elva was preceded by her husband Ray, siblings Linda, Hershal, Della, Vernie, Elgie, and Hazel. Elva is survived by her sister Eileen Terrance, brother Jerry Miller. Also by both her children Kathie Smith and Melvin Jackson, along with 4 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren that will cherish her memories. 

We will always remember her as a sweet, full spirit, loving person who would add members to our family as often as she could. She had a big heart and showed so much love. She is missed so much everyday, we were all so lucky to have her in our lives.

Her memorial will be announced to family and friends at a later date.