FLORENCE COUSAR JACKSON
Sister Florence Cousar Jackson was born on March 9, 1931, in New Zion, a daughter of the late Henry Cousar Sr. and Carrie Smith Cousar. She departed this earthly life on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at Sumter Health and Rehabilitation Center.
She was educated in the public school system in Sumter County and enjoyed sharing her wisdom and knowledge with others. Sister Jackson was joined in holy matrimony to Timothy Jackson. In 1948, they moved to Bronx, New York, to begin their life together. Sister Jackson was employed by a children's clothing manufacturing company for many years, until her retirement. Throughout her stay in New York, Sister Florence never forgot about her native state of South Carolina. She would shower her family with frequent telephone calls, letters of encouragement, visits and various gifts of clothing on special occasions. While living in New York, the Skelton family of Elmhurst, New York, became a vital part of Sister Jackson's life. They enjoyed many wonderful years together, prior to her relocating back to South Carolina in 1995. Once she returned to South Carolina, Sister Jackson enjoyed many social, civic and faith-based outlets. In 1998, she joined New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and became an active and faithful member of several ministries: the senior usher's ministry (past treasurer), senior missionary, pastor's aide ministry, greeter / hospitality ministry, Wateree Baptist Association Lower Division Ushers Auxiliary, Baptist E&M Ushers Unit, and the interdenominational Ushers Association of South Carolina.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories: a brother, Henry (Virginia) Cousar of Sumter; four stepdaughters; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual children, other relatives and friends who will miss her presence dearly.
In addition to her parents and spouse, Sister Jackson was preceded in death by a sister, Sarah Cousar McFadden; and a nephew who was raised in the home, Lawrence Cousar.
Homegoing services for Sister Jackson will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Willie A. Wright Jr., pastor, delivering the words of comfort, assisted by the Rev. Calvin K. Hastie Sr., the Rev. Hazel Charles, the Rev. Daniel Bennett and the Rev. Leroy Blanding Sr. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.
Sister Jackson will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. for viewing until the hour of service.
Public viewing will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Sumter Funeral Service Inc.
The family is receiving friends at the home of her brother and sister-in-law, Henry and Virginia Cousar, 1205 Devonshire Drive, Sumter.
The staff of Sumter Funeral Service Inc. is in charge of arrangements.