Tributes to South Hiendley 'stalwart'
HEARTFELT tributes were paid to a grandmother-of-four who was the 'heart and soul' of the Royal British Legion women's section in South Hiendley and beyond.
Enid Jackson, of George Street, South Hiendley, died in Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, on Sunday, January 31, just more than a week after she was diagnosed with cancer.
Her funeral took place last Friday at St Peter's Church, Felkirk, and standard bearers honoured her by playing The Last Post. She was buried at the church.
Mrs Jackson, 80, who joined the legion women's section in 1959, was a member of the South Hiendley branch and the South and West Yorkshire County. She later became branch secretary and county delegate.
She received various awards including a gold award for services to the Poppy Appeal.
Daughter Karen Harris, 50, of Braemar Croft, South Hiendley, said: "She was the heart and soul of the branch and I'm not sure that heart can continue to beat without her."
Daughter Vanessa Kemp, 41, of Cow Lane, Ryhill, added: "She organised everything. As little girls I can remember making the poppies up. She used to go round to collect donations.
"Last year she collected things for the soldiers in Afghanistan then took suitcases full of toiletries and other things on three buses to get to Otley. She was as fit as anything."
She also leaves her husband, George, 77, and daughter Cheryl Jackson, 47, of Selby.
Mrs Jackson began feeling unwell in November and spent a few days in Pinderfields Hospital at Christmas. She was re-admitted on January 20 and then told she had cancer.
Hull-born Mrs Jackson was evacuated to West Lutton, North Yorkshire, during the Second World War when her house was bombed. She moved to Birstall and then Batley, where she worked in the mills. She went to South Hiendley after marrying in 1958. Her husband described her as his 'best friend'.
Mrs Jackson, who had six brothers and sisters, was a member of the South Hiendley Over 60s Group and she also helped run a Sunday school at St Peter's Church.
Mrs Kemp said: "She was a stalwart. She loved dancing, the cinema and the theatre. She loved doing crosswords and puzzles. She was very modest and wouldn't say anything ill of anyone. Her grandkids were her world."
The family thanked Normington and Sons, the Rev Robert Bailey, Royal British Legion, standard bearers and everyone who attended the funeral. Donations will be split between St Peter's Church and the legion women's section.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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