Darryl Geraldine Jackson

Darryl Geraldine Jackson was born July 14,1952 in Buffalo, New York to the late Ruth Franklin-Jackson and Horace Jackson Sr. Darryl was the baby of three siblings who preceded her in death, Ruth D. 'Donie' Cobb, Bernadette M. 'Bernie' Jackson and Horace 'Butch' Jackson Jr. Darryls residence here on earth ended Sunday, September 1, 2024, surrounded by family. Darryl was a sister, mother, aunt, cousin and grandmother who put family first. She was respectfully and affectionately called "Miss Jackson, Mommy, Ma, Big DJ, Auntie Darryl, auntie/cousin, auntie/mommy, grandma and G-ma'. She leaves sons, Dorian Andre Johnson and Marlin Everette Mays; daughters; Kimberly Danielle Hunter, Shawn Chatman-Busby, and Sylvia Jackson-Johnson; sister, Debra Floyd; grandchildren; Marcellus Saivon Turner and Ayanna Danielle Johnson; nephew, Horace Jackson III, nieces, Sherrita Herrod, LaShari Tolliver, Ruth De'Joy Jackson; cousins, Rita Ware (Jason Ware), Adrian Franklin, Kevin Franklin, Jimiyu 'Juno' Patterson, Michael Patterson, and Tiana Nicole 'Nikki' Franklin, great nieces, Shalika 'Shay' Williams, Jamilah 'Mimi' Sellers, special friends, Cynthia Tyson (Anthony 'BB' Jones) , Valerie Jackson, Darlene Burkes; and a host of other family and friends. Darryl had an incredibly loving, supportive, sacrificial spirit (Romans 12:1-2). She always tried to bring family together and see the good in everyone. She was a determined person whom everyone found easy to talk to and was loved like a family member to all. She was strong, a great listener and a problem solver, who had empathy and compassion for everyone. Her infectious laugh and spirit lit up the room wherever she was. She shared her kindness, beautiful soul and "that smile" no matter what was going on in her life. She was truly like a palm tree. No matter what she was dealing with, you could never tell which season it was in her life. Her laugh and smile always made you feel better. Darryl began her educational journey Bennett Highschool and proudly graduated in 1970. She later continued her education to obtain her associate's degree in nursing at Erie Community College in the late 90's. From the beginning of Darryls service to others, she was excited and optimistic. She started as a waitress at a diner which allowed her to learn how to deal with all kinds of people. She repeatedly told this story to remind us that you never know who we could meet along the way. Always wanting to help others, she then pursued a career serving others. Early in her career, Darryl began working at Nazareth Nursing Home. Her experience here confirmed her desire to help others. After working at Nazareth Nursing Home, she then moved on to Deaconess Hospital where she worked as a nurse's aide. She later accepted a position with Buffalo General Hospital which allowed her to continue what she enjoyed. Darryl met so many people, always coming home smiling with a new story to tell. Darryl's career progression continued when she accepted a position with NYS OMH Buffalo Psychiatric Center as a mental health therapy aide. This position gave her so much joy and allowed her to share her gift of empathic love and genuine compassion to a vulnerable population. She cared for the patients as if she was caring for her own family. She often told stories of running into former patients in the community who fondly greeted her and remembered the love and care she provided. She was a tireless worker who lived a life of love in her personal and professional world. After years at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center, she was promoted to supervisor. This was a great accomplishment for her. Never seeking recognition or title, this was her gift to herself for all the hours of dedication and commitment, professional growth and overtime (SMILE) she had given over her life. She eventually retired in 2016 after 33 years. She was a Supervising Rehabilitation Therapist when she retired. Darryl will always be remembered for what she did for others. Although Darryl was retired that did not slow her down. She always found more ways to enjoy life and help others. In retirement, she continued helping and supporting family. She traveled to visit family and with family, to create "forever" memories, attended school activities with the children and shopped with them all. She was a faithful member of True Bethel Baptist Church where she enjoyed going to bible study on Wednesdays and church every Sunday. Her quiet faith in God was loud in the way she loved others (Matthew 22:39). She enjoyed getting manicures and pedicures, searching for latest sales at her favorite stores. Darryl loved to go out to eat and treat her family to restaurants such as Olive Garden (Her Favorite) or Applebees. She loved watching her game and court shows, with Family Feud and Judge Judy being her favorites. She caught up on all of the Law and Order episodes in her retirement because she never had a chance to watch them when she was working. Her absolute favorite getaway was the Casino. She could not learn how to text a message, but she knew how to operate every machine at the casino. That was her favorite place to go to get away. She loved to hear jackpot bells ring off for her and would be equally excited for others as they won. Church and the casino were the only two places she would go by herself if she could not find someone to go with. Whether she won or lost, she was always looking forward to the next casino to visit in and out of town. At this time, we grieve and mourn for the loss of a very special woman, but we do not grieve as though we do not know where she is (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). We celebrate her life today. Darryl always looked for the positive in every situation, the good in people and hope in the next opportunity. Darryl was fearless, encouraging, inspiring, and filled with hope and fight until her transition to happier days. Therefore, we are thankful for the time God allowed us to have with her. She was truly a blessing to us all and will forever be remembered by her honorable deeds and the love in our hearts. Until we meet again, we will miss you Darryl Jackson. May you rest in honor. Relatives and friends may visit True Bethel Baptist Church on Friday, September 13th for a wake from 10:00-11:00am with a Funeral Service to immediately follow at 11:00AM. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery. Services Cemetery Forest Lawn Cemetery 1411 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209