Retha Jackson

On the afternoon of July 6, 2023, Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Aunt, Retha Nell Jackson, 78, of Apopka, FL went home to be with the Lord with loved ones by her side.

Retha was born in Nashville, GA on April 19, 1945, to Ella Mae and John Lamar Starling. Then as a small child relocated to Florida where she grew up within the Hayes family as the eldest of 7 children, often helping in the care of her younger siblings.

She later raised 4 children with her husband Donald Perry in the Orlando area. As a devoted wife and mother, she created a home full of love, discipline, faith, and down-home southern cooking.

Retha was baptized into the Christian faith in 1976 and remained a devout Christian throughout her life. As an active member of Lockhart Baptist Church, she served in many ways, including teaching Sunday School, writing children’s Christian bible study books, and tending to the nursery on Sunday mornings. She was a trusted confidant always available to lend a helping hand to friends and family during their times of need, bringing hope, love, and faith. Retha’s joyful, kind spirit will be profoundly missed by many.

Retha is survived by her son, Timothy (Karen) McCreless, Stepdaughter, Barbie Perry (Dale) Beeler, Stepson, Irvin (Sharon) Jackson, 5 grandchildren, Danielle (Carlos) Aponte, Nathan (Megan) McCreless, Victoria McCreless, Kaila Fleshman and Megan Fleshman, 6 great-grandchildren, Cohen, Kambrian, Jaina, Finn, Rinoa and Brayden, siblings Randy (Gwen) Hayes, Judy Hayes and several nieces and nephews.

Retha is predeceased by her husband’s Daniel Jackson (d.2018), William Taylor (d.2005), Donald Perry (d.1981), daughter, Theresa (Tessie) Perry (d.1975), former husband W.G. McCreless, son Richard McCreless (d.2015), parents Ella Mae and Clyde Babbitt, father J.L. Starling and siblings Carol Hall, Roger Hayes, Vivian Luhrs and Darlene Jones.

Please join us in honoring Retha’s memory at Lockhart Baptist Church, 7601 Edgewater Dr. Orlando, FL 32810. Memorial Service to be held at 2p.m. on July 23, 2023. Her family encourages you to join them following the service for a reception in the fellowship hall (Food will be provided).

Flowers can be sent to Lockhart Baptist Church 7601 Edgewater Dr. Orlando, FL 32810.