Mary E. Kearney-Jackson

Funeral Service Live Stream Link
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After a courageous battle with cancer, our beloved Mary Ellen Kearney-Jackson entered into eternal rest on Sunday, January 2, 2022 at home surrounded by her loving family.

Born October 4, 1948 in Warren County, North Carolina to the late James Henry and Nettie Lou (Carter) Kearney, Mary was the fourteenth of sixteen children. She began her schooling in North Carolina, prior to relocating to Lakewood, New Jersey with her family, at the age of 9. She graduated from Lakewood High School in 1967. Mary’s God-given gifts and talents, helped to pave her path in life. Always, sharp minded and business acclimated, her physical labor and employment with others helped to prepare her to become an entrepreneur, establishing her own businesses My-Type Composing and Graphic Design, Kearney Konnection promotions and KJs Everything Christian Shoppe. 

Mary accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at an early age. She served faithfully and in many capacities at Bethel A.M.E. Church, Lakewood including Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent, Church Conference Delegate, Choir Director, Youth Director and Church Secretary. Mary was resilient in her pursuit of always striving to do better than the day before and encouraging others along the way.  A trait she instilled in her family.

Her passion for fashion resonated in every outfit when she dressed herself and others; in fashion shows she sponsored or participated in + in her gifts to others. She attended Barbizon Modeling School in the late ‘70s. She was the fashionistas’ fashionista, able to turn a scarf into one of the best accessories, whether on her head, around her neck or waist. She is affectionately known as “The Hat Lady” for her stylish signature brims. Mary’s love for music and sharing the Good News, gave her great joy in bringing some of the best gospel quartet groups, singers, gospel rappers and stage plays from across the country to her hometown’s Strand Theatre and other venues. Mary gained recognition, love and respect from her community and abroad.

In 1993, she moved her membership from Bethel A.M.E. to Refuge Apostolic Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, where she was baptized in Jesus name and received the gift of the holy ghost and continued her assigned work. In 1998, Mary married her friend, Elder Earl Melvin Jackson and became 1st Lady of Refuge. Until her health declined, together they worked in ministry ushering others to Christ; promoting salvation to all and continued in missionary work.

In her journey of helping others along the way, she was a strong advocate for children’s well-being and promoting education for all. She and her husband became foster parents and helped raise many. Mary was a member of Lakewood N.A.A.C.P. and U.N.I.T.E. She pioneered the Juneteenth education and celebrations in her hometown many years ago. In addition to her daily personal time in prayer and scripture, Mary enjoyed spending time with her family; cooking the best foods; teaching and learning; working on some project for/with her family; doing puzzles; watching and participating with her daily antidote game shows Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud. She loved to travel, see God’s beauty all over and was a collector of all types of African-American dolls.  She was affectionately called “Lady J” by her husband; “Mother, Ma, Mommy” by her children; “Grandma, Honey, GG” by her grands and greats; “Mary, Mack, Murr” by her siblings; “Aunt Mary” by her nieces and nephews. Even until the very end of her time here, she would acknowledge her name when she heard it.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by brothers Willie Andrew, Bermer Lee and Jesse Otis; her sister Margaret Carolyn. Her brothers in law Branch Richardson, Leon Macon and George Donaldson; sisters in law Louise Kearney, Emma Kearney and Frances Mae Kearney. Her son in law Zachary Canace.

Mary leaves to cherish her memories - her devoted husband, Pastor Earl M. Jackson. Her loving children – Annette and Thomas Byard, Toms River, NJ; Stanley Kearney, Toms River, NJ; Tracey Kearney-Canace, Brick, NJ; Shantinique and Kendrey Lusk, Corpus Christi, TX. She is also survived by her special bonus children – Sherill Mimes of Manchester, NJ; Latosha Jackson of North Brunswick, NJ and Don Horton of Wilmington, NC. Her beautiful bouquet of grandchildren Terrye Mimes, Brittney Kearney, Asiah Kearney, Robert and Maria Wesley, Tkeya Kearney, Josiah Kearney, Milani Figueroa, Keniyah Lusk, Genesis Mary Canace and Zachariah Canace. GG’s Great-Grands Layla Mimes, Kiyshawn Davis, Jashayla Rivera, Kharisma Davis, Ezra DeBose, Kitana DeBose, Khaleesi DeBose, Isabella Wesley and Brielle Wesley, and her “living doll baby” Korin Kearney. Her caring siblings – Mable Richardson of Vaughan, NC; Doris Wilburn of Lakewood, NJ James Kearney of Lakewood, NJ; Barbara Ann Donaldson of Dover, DE; Thurman and Barbara Kearney of Cheraw, SC; Ben Kearney of Lakewood, NJ; John and Annabelle Kearney of Littleton, NC; Nettie G. Macon of Freehold, NJ; Emily F. and Orlando Santiago of Tampa, FL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, co-laborers in Christ, close friends and loved ones.  

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