Winnie Jackson

Winnie Francis Jackson was born June 4, 1931, in Austin, Texas to Lloyd F. and Julia M. Toungate. She live to be 84 years wise on this earth and went to spend an eternity in her Heavenly Home on November 11, 2015. Winnie, affectionately known as "Mama," "Grandma," and "Sweet Winnie," and several other flattering pet names, was visiting east Texas, from her home in Austin, when she suffered a broken femur from an unexpected fall. Despite assertive efforts from many specialists and medical professionals, her earthly body had simply endured too many traumatic events to recover.God gives each of us special gifts. We believe Mama possessed a special gift, early on, to spread the love of Jesus, by giving herself to others in need. Each of us remembers her working two, sometimes three jobs, in order to provide for us children and make ends meet. We didn"t know it at the time, but it"s clear that she oftentimes did without so that our needs, and sometimes "wants," were met. It didn"t stop there" As times got better, Mama continued her gift of benevolence by getting involved in numerous organizations, whose primary purpose was providing for those in need and the less fortunate. She never seemed satisfied with doing her part " she wanted always to go beyond the call, and expected nothing in return. What a testimony of the sweet spirit living within this precious soul.The civic organizations she was involved in include, but are not limited to: the Manor Lions Club, along with her husband Martin; current member and past president of the North Austin Lions Club and Lifetime member of Lions International. She rarely missed a meeting, and almost always volunteered to provide a homemade dish for Thursday"s meetings. She was always an active participant in fundraising events, including the Lion Eye Bank and Texas Lion Camp for Children, and often volunteered with the South Austin Lion"s Club Meals for Seniors program. Mama was a member of the Ridgetop Baptist Church of Austin, and most recently attended the Hornsby Bend Assembly of God Church. She loved attending gospel singing programs, and would sit for hours listening to gospel music on CDs.After 29 years of faithful service to the State of Texas, she retired from the former, Texas Dept. of M.H.M.R. During her tenure at the Austin State Hospital, and finally Travis State School, she received numerous commendations from supervisors and administrative staff for outstanding service. Even at her place of employment, she was deservedly and affectionately known as "Mama" by the many of the residents.Winnie was preceded in death by her husband of 27 years, the love of her life, Arthur Martin Jackson; her son, Darvin Ray Hendrix; her daughters, Virginia Cleon Jackson and Wanda Joyce Rupkey; her parents, Lloyd and Julia Toungate; brother,John F. (Buster) Toungate; sister, Viola "Sis" V. Pruett; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law of Texas and North Carolina.Winnie is survived by her daughter, Debi and husband Robert Drosche; her two sons, TC Hendrix and wife Karen and Charles "Chuck" Hendrix; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends who loved her like family. Our Mama, though not perfect, had far too many attributes to mention in a simple obituary. It"s been said, when one"s birth date and death date is carved in stone, the dates are not nearly as important as the "dash," which separates them. We suppose Mama"s "dash" will be remembered as mostly loving God"s people, while being content with second place. We love and miss you Mama, but Glory awaits us all someday!Memorial contributions may be made in Winnie"s honor to the North Austin Lions Club or Lions International.The family will receive guests at the Elgin Funeral Home from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, November 16th. A Funeral Service will be conducted at the Elgin Funeral Home, Tuesday, November 17th at 1:00 PM with Pastor Carl Goericke officiating. Interment will follow at the Rhodes Cemetery, Austin, Texas. The family would like to extend an invitation to attend a covered dish repast, following graveside services, at the North Austin Lions Club, 1103 Justin Lane, Austin, Texas.