Zilda Ann Jackson, age 80, of Benzonia, formerly of Mt Pleasant, passed away Wed, Jan 8, 2020, at her snowbird home in Sarasota, FL, where her granddaughter, Diedra (Ryan) Scott resided and in the company of her dear friend, Donna "Lou Lou" Wilson.
Zilda was born Apr 18, 1939, in Mt Pleasant, the daughter of Andrew and Isabella (Koon) Jackson. She was a graduate of Coleman High School. Zilda was a proud member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and worked on the At Large Committee in the 1990s.
She loved going to church, reading, puzzles, fishing, and going to the casino.
One of her favorite past times was going to watch Elvis impersonators; she was one of Elvis's biggest fans. Zilda liked music and dancing. She used to sing and disc jockey and was known as "DJ Jackie Jackson." She loved watching her daily game shows and Survivor.
Zilda loved her family and her love was unconditional.
Zilda is survived by seven of her children, Tony Jackson of Mt Pleasant, Luanna Finney, of Mesick, Michael (Tammy) Finney of Benzonia, Keven Jenkins of Mt Pleasant, Angela Jenkins of Honor, Deanna Jenkins of Traverse City, and Dennis Jackson, of Interlochen; 27 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; sisters, Norma Rapp of Mt Pleasant, Wanda Lautner of Traverse City; and brother in law, Larry Gionet of Harrietta.
Zilda was preceded in death by her parents; children, Terry Finney, Bill Newell, and Lorena Finney; and eight siblings, Jake, Raymond, Maurice, William, Wilmont, Benard, Ronnie, and Jane.
Funeral services for Zilda will take place at Clark Family Funeral Chapel on Thu, Jan 16 at 1 pm with Benjamin Evers officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow in the Reflections Reception Center. The family will receive friends on Thu beginning at noon until the time of the service.
