Mary Belle Jackson

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF

Mary Belle Jackson

Mary Belle Jackson, a beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, at the remarkable age of 100. Surrounded by the warmth and devotion of her family, she left this life in the same spirit she lived it—with love, grace, and gentle humor that touched everyone she met. Born on January 29, 1925, in Mobile, Alabama, to July Jr. and Mary Belle Armstrong, Mary Belle's life was a testament to strength and perseverance.

In her early years, Mary navigated the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II. After her mother's passing when Mary was three, she moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her sister Amanda and brother Elijah, where she was cared for by Jesse and Belle Love. A quick learner, Mary skipped first grade, going from kindergarten to second grade at Friendship Elementary School, and later earned her High School Equivalency Certificate.

Mary married Clyde P. Jackson on September 27, 1943, after he proposed during a leave from the U.S. Army. Together, they built a life in Pittsburgh and raised six children. Mary was a devoted mother, actively involved in her children's education and community, serving in the PTA and as a Cub Scout Mother.

She instilled in her children the importance of independence, self-determination, education, music, and racial pride, encouraging them to learn instruments and even participating in civil rights marches, such as the protest at Duquesne Light Company in August 1963, just before the March on Washington.

Racism was in your face while growing up in Pittsburgh in the 1950s and 60s, and our mother was always there to explain it and to offer strategies to overcome it. She taught us to be proud of our color and heritage.

In the mid-1950s, Mary trained to become a waiver practical nurse and worked at the Negley House nursing home. When the state rescinded the use of waiver practical nurses, she continued working at the Negley House as a nursing assistant.

After her youngest child started school, Mary worked on the custodial staff of the Pittsburgh Board of Education. She later earned a certificate in Child Development, enabling her to become a paraeducator with the Allegheny County Public School System. She worked at several elementary schools, including

Homewood, Friendship, and Larimer, and was like a mother to her young students. She retired from the Board of Education in 1987.

Later in life, Mary became a cherished grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother known for her protective nature and loving guidance. She organized annual family picnics, which evolved into large reunions, fostering strong family bonds. Her legacy of family and steadfast love will forever be remembered by those whose lives she touched.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Clyde, Sr., Raymond (son), Anthony (grandson), and Jayden (great-grandson); Siblings Amanda, Robert, Ed Lee, and Caesar.

Mary is survived by her children: Barbara Belle, Clyde Jr. (Barbara Gail) of Maryland, Mary Jean, Richard of Maryland, Mara (Antonio) of Maryland; and brother Elijah (Bessie); 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Mary Jackson’s name to the Afro American Music Institute at afroamericanmusic.org. Address: 7131 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Belle Jackson, please visit our floral store.