Geraldine (Geri) Ingram Jackson, the daughter of the late Thomas Woodrow and Nellie Ray Phillips Ingram, was born on November 3, 1942 in LaGrange, North Carolina, Lenoir County. She departed this life on Saturday, September 23, 2017. A few years after her birth, her parents moved to Kinston, North Carolina where she spent her childhood. At a young age, she joined Saint Peter Disciple Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ in Kinston under the pastorate of Rev. S. W. R. Keyes.
At a young age, Geri began taking piano lessons. Eventually, she became the church pianist at several different churches in Kinston and the outlying areas. She continued using her musical skills, playing the piano for various occasions in her fraternal organizations.
Geri graduated from Adkin High School in Kinston in 1960. She then enrolled at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, graduating in 1964 with a B. S. degree in biology. When she moved to the Boston area, Geri furthered her studies at Suffolk University earning an associate’s degree in education. She also received certification to teach high school math and science courses.
Her first job in the Boston area was at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts where she received training in tissue culture. During this time, she met James E. Jackson, Sr. They were married on December 6, 1972. From that union, they had one son, James E. Jackson, Jr.
During her professional career as a medical researcher, she worked at both Massachusetts General Hospital and Children’s Medical Hospital in Boston, where she was engaged in cancer research under the renowned medical scientist, Dr. Judah Folkman, best known for his research on tumor angiogenesis. She primarily did cancer research injecting various solutions into chicken eggs charting their growth and the effects of certain drugs on the embryo . Her name and much of her research is mentioned in several professional journals to this day (The Journal of Biological Chemistry, The National Academy of Sciences).
Geri joined Mount Moriah Chapter No.7, Order of the Eastern Star in 1977. In 2006, she became the Worthy Grand Matron of Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Jurisdiction of Massachusetts, Inc., the highest honor to which a woman can be elected. She joined Mount Olivet Royal Court No. 3 and served several offices, ultimately becoming Royal Grand Commandress of Prince Hall Royal Grand Court, Order of Cyrene Crusaders. Royal Lady Jackson currently served as Treasurer of Mount Olivet. Heroine Jackson joined Naomi Court No. 2, Heroines of Jericho and worked her way up to serve as Most Ancient Grand Matron of the Most Ancient Prince Hall Grand Court Heroines of Jericho. She liked the Heroines so much that she served as secretary of Naomi Court for many years. In addition, Loyal Lady Geraldine is a Past Loyal Lady Ruler of Prince Hall Assembly No. 2, Order of the Golden Circle. Finally, Daughter Geraldine is a Past Illustrious Recordress of Syria Court No. 10, Daughters of Isis. She loved serving in these organizations and was faithful, generous, and dedicated to them even after her health began to fail. 
She leaves behind to cherish her memories, her husband James (Jack) E. Jackson, Sr.; the love of her life, her son, James Jackson, Jr. whom she faithfully supported in his musical and acting career; her dearly beloved sister, Elwanda D. Ingram of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; a step-son, Gregory Rouse of Kinston, North Carolina; two aunts, Mrs. Pearl Clark of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Mrs. Eva (Jonathion) Jones of Hyattsville, Maryland; one uncle, Eli Ingram of Ambler, Pennsylvania; one brother-in-law, Frank Jackson, of Boston, and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. 

Visitation with family will be on Friday, September 29, 2017 from 7-8 Pm at Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, 24 Washington Street, Dorchester, MA 02124.

Celebration of Life Service will start at 8PM also from Prince Hall. Interment will take place in Kinston, North Carolina. 

To leave condolences for the family visit www.georgelopesfuneralhome.com

Arrangements entrusted to George Lopes Funeral Home, 821 Cummins Highway, Mattapan, MA 02126.