Yvonne Matilda Jackson

Yvonne Matilda Jackson, AKA “Bonnie”, was born September 13, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan to the union of the late Grady and Daisey Mae Ethel Jackson.  She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age, was baptized and served the Lord with all her heart.   She transitioned from earth to glory on August 24, 2023.

Early in life, Yvonne was left without a mother (Daisy Mae Ethel) after her sudden death in 1952.  She was raised by her father and became the “apple of his eye”.  He surrounded her with love and provided guidance and opportunities to assure her success.

To the union of Yvonne M. Jackson and Allen D. Haggen, three children were born – twin boys ( Dennis and Larry) and a daughter (Angela).  They separated after 22 years but maintained an amicable relationship.  Many years later, she married Sanford Barber, and this union ended in divorce.

In 1959, Yvonne graduated early from Northeastern High School and received a B.A. degree from Wayne State University.  She later obtained her M.A. degree from the same institution.

Yvonne was a true “Virgo woman” --  independent, organized, analytical and hardworking.  She strived for perfection and was never deterred in her quest for knowledge or the joys of life. She was committed, innovative, self-motivated, witty and a friend whose word was her bond. 

As a young woman, Yvonne joined the Human Resources Department at Chrysler and subsequently, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS).  She always sought to better herself and excelled in her various job assignments.  In her HR role, she was a major vessel through which several family members and friends gained employment.

Yvonne retired from GDLS in 2008 as Worker’s Compensation Administrator for the Division, a job she thoroughly enjoyed.  Before retirement, she obtained her real estate license and experienced a successful career as a realtor post-retirement.

She was a “phenomenal woman” who single-handedly raised her children after her divorce.  Yvonne always had unconditional love for her family and was the nucleus upon which they relied.  She was giving, loving and thoughtful, but could also display “tough love” when needed. She emphasized education and encouraged them to explore their God-given talents and pursue their dreams.  She was a role model who demonstrated stability, confidence and compassion and “she was the glue that held things together”.

She embraced life; never shied from adversity or controversy; and was laser-focused on the task at hand.  Although introverted, she was able to successfully assimilate into any environment and project confidence. Yvonne clung to her Southern roots and visited Georgia and the Carolinas often.  She also traveled to the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska, enjoying the culture and experiences at each.

Preceding her in death were parents (Grady and Daisey Mae Ethel Jackson), sisters (Fannie Banks, and Mamie Hudson), brother (Grady Jackson Jr.), ex-spouses (Allen Hagen and Sanford Barber) and son, Larry Jackson.  She leaves to morn a son, Dennis Jackson; daughter, Angela D. Jackson; grandchildren; Dennis Jackson, Jr. (Katrina), Sharee Jackson, Robert Jackson, Tiara Gunn, Bailey Jackson and Landen Jackson); great grandchildren; Teyona Wray, Stefanie Degree, Khristian Degree, Tiffany Degree and Jace Jackson; nieces & nephews;  Grady Hudson, Cecila Giles, Ramond Hudson, Albert Hudson, III (Celia), Marcella Bankston, Leroy Hudson (Prentiss), Cheryl Banks, Demorah Austin (Tyrone), Carl Hudson (Ann), Dewayne Banks, and a host of relatives and friends.