Beverly Ann Jackson, a woman defined by her fierce resilience, nurturing spirit, and vibrant love for life, passed away peacefully on April 28th, 2026, leaving behind a legacy as rich and enduring as the gardens she tended.
Beverly was the beloved daughter of Pearlie and Eldee Norman, sister to Tony Norman and Arnesia Hardy and a devoted mother to her children; she leaves behind a legacy of love and family that touched everyone she met. A woman of faith, she was baptized at the historic Pilgrim Baptist Church and she carried that soulful spirit in everything she did.
Born on February 26, 1952, at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Beverly’s journey took her from the busy streets of Detroit to Chicago, where she graduated from Harper High School. Growing up as the daughter of a construction contractor, building was in her blood. She had a rare, sharp mind for construction that amazed everyone around her; she could visualize a new project and instinctively know the exact type and quantity of lumber the builders would need before a single board was even purchased—which is something she got from her dad. She loved being in the middle of it all: the "music" of a new project starting up and that unmistakable scent of fresh sawdust from a skill saw.
Beverly took immense pride in her years managing group homes, historically leading her clients on adventures to the Smoky Mountains and the Indy 500. She wasn't afraid to laugh at her own learning curves—like the time she was so caught up in the excitement of the race that she forgot the sunscreen. She often joked that her clients came out "as red as lobsters," a story she loved to tell as a reminder of the joy found in a life of service.
But Beverly found her true calling in the demolition world alongside her husband Harvey and then turned over to their son, David. As his partner, she was a force. She had an instinctive eye for tearing down buildings; she could walk onto a site and know exactly how to craft a competitive bid. She didn’t just manage the business; she mastered it.
The great love of Beverly’s life began at a restaurant on Chicago’s legendary Maxwell Street. It was there that Harvey Jackson Jr., in the midst of a demolition job, stopped in for a Polish sausage and found something much more permanent. Their love bloomed over daily visits and led to a spontaneous marriage at the Cook County Courthouse. They shared 36 years of marriage before his passing in 2008.
As a family, Harvey, Beverly and their children were staples at local historical festivals, where they served their famous barbecue, including Harvey’s secret barbeque sauce, and Beverly’s secret-recipe sweet potato pie. To continue that spirit of hospitality, Beverly opened her home to create the Jackson Estate Conference and Event Center, turning her private sanctuary into a place for the community to gather and celebrate.
Beverly’s life was defined by profound grace and an iron will to carry on through deep heartache. Since her cancer diagnosis in 2018, she didn't just "survive"—she lived louder. Beverly owned and tended to various properties across multiple counties. She tended to her
100-acre property with a protective eye. To her, that land was more than just soil; it was a sanctuary she guarded with everything she had—a living legacy of the life and foundation she and her husband, Harvey, built together.
She was famously unstoppable on her lawn mower, usually with her headphones blaring her favorite Motown playlist. She would lose herself in the music and the work, determined to master all six acres of varied terrain. She was so fearless that she famously cut it "a little too close to the edges" of the pond, requiring a rescue mission more than once. To Beverly, those trips into the water weren't setbacks; they were just part of the adventure of a life lived at full volume. Even as she vacationed here and abroad, she carried that same spirit with her—showing us all that while life might have boundaries, her spirit certainly did not.
Beverly was preceded in death by her mother, Eldee Norman; her devoted husband, Harvey Jackson Jr.; her infant twin daughters, Sandra Ann and Wanda Renee; her daughter, Arnesia Jackson; and her son, Harvey Jackson III.
Though she endured these losses, she remained the cornerstone of the Jackson home. To honor the demolition legacy she and Harvey built, she famously preserved two vintage pieces of equipment—a clamshell bucket and a dragline bucket—transforming them into beautiful floral planters that remain on the family property today. Beverly’s warmth extended to her entire family. She is survived by her father, Pearlie; siblings, Tony and Arnesia; and her legacy continues through her children:
● Nianna Jackson of Chicago, IL
● Josh Jackson (Greta) of Kewanna, IN
● David Jackson (Katrina) of Rochester, IN
● Michelle Jackson of Indianapolis, IN
● Michael Jackson of Rochester, IN
● Vanessa Frias (Juan) of Cassopolis, MI
● Phyllinga Jackson (Mwila) of Rochester, IN
She will be deeply missed by her many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren as well as her nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
As an avid gardener, Beverly was known for her towering cannas and her beloved hostas. Her compassion extended to all living things; she was a healer of wild bunnies and a devoted "mom" to many pets, from her loyal dogs Tiger, Sunny and gentle mastiff Mac, to her cherished cats, Calico and Tuxedo and her grandpups Brutus, Riley, Jasper and Nina.
Acknowledgements
The family of Beverly Ann Jackson wishes to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this difficult time. Your kindness has been a source of great comfort and a testament to the lives Beverly touched.
A special note of appreciation is extended to Molly Jackson and Dr. Hinshaw of St. Vincent Hospital. Barbie Allen, Gentiva Hospice in Rochester and Woodlawn Hospital for their exceptional care, compassion, and professional dedication. We also wish to thank Good Family Funeral Home for their guidance and the many friends, co-workers, neighbors, and extended family members who shared well wishes, memories, and strength. Your presence—whether in person, in spirit, or through your thoughtful words—has reminded us of the beauty of the community Beverly so dearly loved and served.
A celebration of the life of Beverly Ann Jackson will be at 2:00 PM, EDST Friday, May 1, 2026, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester. Her family will receive friends for 2 hours prior to her services. Chaplain Kevin Conklin will officiate. Burial will follow at the Leiters Ford IOOF Cemetery, Leiters Ford. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com
