GRACE G. JACKSON, the fourth
of six children, was born in El Dorado, Arkansas to Professor N. F. Jackson, principal at Washington High School and Mrs. Ruth Jackson, who taught Music and English at Washington High School as well. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson instilled in their children the love of God, family, music, education, and a commitment to community service. These values were the foundation of every aspect of her life and work.
Blessed with a beautiful soprano voice and perfect pitch, Mrs. Edwards was a gifted, classically trained Musician who also focused on piano and organ. After graduating from Washington High School, Mrs. Edwards received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Arkansas Mechanical and Normal College (AM&N – now, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) in 1950. A true trailblazer, she was one of the few African Americans admitted to the graduate program at Indiana University in the 1950’s. In June of 1953, after only one year, she earned a Master’s degree in Music Education from Indiana University.
Mrs. Edwards then joined the faculty of Alabama State University. She became an active member of Martin Luther King’s Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. In June of 1955, she married Robert (Bob) Eubanks. Three children were born from their union - Millicent, Robert (Bobby) and Brian. Her husband was killed in a tragic automobile accident in July of 1961.
Despite her loss, Mrs. Edwards forged ahead. In 1962, a former colleague from Alabama State, Dr. R. D. (David) Crockett, the sixth president of Philander Smith College, offered her a teaching position. Mrs. Edwards taught at Philander Smith for over forty years, until she retired. During that time, she touched the lives of countless students. She was particularly gifted at using music to bring out her students’ potential and self-confidence by helping them discover their inner voices. She would start with: “I hear a beautiful voice …have you ever taken voice lessons or sung in a choir…?”
Mrs. Edwards was known for generously sharing her musical gifts and for her ability to train others. Her choirs at Philander Smith and at Little Rock’s Mount Zion Baptist Church were widely acknowledged. She was especially proud of the recognition received from Governor Bill Clinton.
In 1973, Grace married Burrell Edwards, also a member of the Faculty/Staff at Philander Smith.
They shared a love of music and were inseparable life partners for over 30 years.
After she retired, she continued to remain close to the Church. She and Mr. Edwards were faithful members of First Baptist Church of Highland Park. She faithfully served as a member of the Music Ministry playing at weekly prayer services.
Mrs. Edwards was predeceased by her parents, four siblings, both husbands, and her beloved son, Bobby. She is survived by her sister, Bobbie Cope; her children, Millicent and Brian (Quinnetta, and children Lawrence, Briana, Calvin, Ashley, Thomas, Rayne, and Loren); her beloved granddaughter, Samantha Hughes (Christopher); and great-grandson, Gabriel Hughes. She will be missed by nieces: Nancy Cope, Leslie Brothers, Jill Petty, Audrey Petty, and Miriam Petty; brother-in-law, Joe Petty; many extended family members, friends and countless students whose lives she has touched.
A walk-through visitation will be held on Friday, December 18th, from noon to 4 p.m. at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home Chapel, 1200 Chester Street, Little Rock Ark., 72202 (501) 372-1305. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed.
Interment Services will take place on Monday, December 21st at 1 p.m. at the Arkansas State Veterans’ Cemetery 1501 Maryland, North Little Rock, Ark.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Baptist Health Foundation – Angel Fund. Donations increase the number of IPads available to help family members share last, precious moments with dying patients. Website: www.Baptisthealthfoundation.org, Watershed Family Resources (Food pantry and family services). Website: https://thewatershed1.com, First Baptist Church of Highland Park. 1701 Pine St., Little Rock Ark., 72204 or Philander Smith College, 900 West Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive, Little Rock, Ark., 72202.