Bernice Jackson's Obituary
Bernice Delores Jackson, 92, of Chattanooga, passed away Monday, March 23, 2026, in a local hospital. She was born on April 19, 1933, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Mandy and Sol Long. She received her formal education from Booker T. Washington School.
Together with her husband, Pastor Ernest L. Jackson, they founded Clear View Baptist Church. They enjoyed serving the Lord and helping people.
Mrs. Bernice, as she was often called, spent many years as a cashier at a grocery store that went through several name changes, Red Food to BI-LO, to Food City. She was known by many as a speedy cashier. Customers would want to come through her line because she cashed them and moved them out. Customers enjoyed being served by Mrs. Bernice. She also was proud to be a mentor to numerous young people, helping to guide them and give sound advice.
Mrs. Bernice loved wearing hats. She had many hats; she could have opened her own hat shop. She took pleasure in decorating and purchasing unique items. She was very stylish and elegant. She could wear anything and make it look classy. She was a sophisticated lady and a true fashionista.
Bernice was preceded in death by her mother, Mandy Long; father, Sol Long; husband, Pastor Ernest L. Jackson; brothers, Solomon Long and Nathaniel Long; and great-granddaughter, Mariah Williams.
Those left to cherish her memories include her daughter, Sandra Nelson Derring; son, Larry (Shirley) Nelson; sisters, Mary Evans and Mary Grier; sister-in-law, Beverly Long; grandchildren, Namon Derring, III, Jecobi (Pierre) Swafford, James Erron (Latasha) Nelson, Joshua (Karina) Nelson, and Jitendra (Harlin) Bryson; a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Bernice will lie-in-state on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon in the chapel with Brother John R. Taylor, Sr. as Eulogist. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery.
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