Brendel Elaine Clark-Jackson Obituary (1947

Brendel Elaine Clark Jackson, a beloved educator, wife, mother, sister, and community leader, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2024, at the age of 77, by the side of her family in Texas. Born on September 15, 1947, in Pineville, LA, and reared in Colfax, LA, Brendel was the eldest daughter of Samuel Clark and Annie Lee Thomas Clark. Alongside her cherished sister, Gwendolyn, and "sister-cousin," Ruth, Brendel's formative years were filled with a deep love for learning, creativity, and a passion for the arts. While her early dream was to grace the stages of Broadway, Brendel ultimately found her true calling as an educator, a role she embraced wholeheartedly throughout her life. Brendel was a 1965 graduate of Mary E. Graham High School, where she was known for her talents in both athletics and the arts. She went on to attend Southern University and A&M College (SU) in Baton Rouge, LA, where she formed lifelong friendships and began building the foundation for her life of service. During this time, Brendel married James Greene, Jr., and in 1966, welcomed her first daughter, Brenekie Onya. Despite the challenges of motherhood, Brendel remained dedicated to her education, earning her Bachelor's degree in Education from SU in 1969. In the years following, Brendel and her family relocated to Chicago, IL, where she began her distinguished teaching career with the Chicago Public School District. Her charismatic spirit and infectious joy quickly won her lifelong friendships, and she became deeply rooted in the Greater Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church community. Brendel's commitment to both education and her faith helped shape her as a loving nurturer, mentor, and advocate for others. In 1975, Brendel welcomed her second daughter, Natasha Ann, and continued to excel in her career while completing her Master's in Education from DePaul University. After several years in Chicago, she returned to Colfax, LA, in 1978 to help care for her ailing mother and resumed teaching at Pollock Elementary School. Brendel was known for her no-nonsense approach in the classroom, earning respect from colleagues, students, and parents alike. During this time, Brendel's marriage to James dissolved. In 1985, Brendel made a bold move to Fresno, CA, after rekindling a relationship with an ex-boyfriend, where she expanded her influence as an educator and administrator. Her work in Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) touched countless lives as she brought passion, creativity, and leadership to Carver Middle School, Kirk Elementary, and other schools across the district. Her legacy as an advocate for students, particularly in speech and dramatic performances, was cemented through her involvement in Black History Month celebrations and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. events. Brendel's impact reached far beyond the classroom as she helped establish the Fresno Unified Educational Partnership Program, providing underprivileged students access to college preparation programs. In Fresno, Brendel solidified her forever love and married Robert L. "R.L." Jackson, gaining a beautiful extended family. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and shared purpose. Even after her retirement in 2011, Brendel remained active in education, often substituting at Sequoyah Middle School, where she was affectionately treated as "royalty." Her lifelong dedication to education earned her the title of "California Teacher of the Year" and solidified her as a pillar in the Fresno community. Brendel's faith was a guiding force throughout her life, and she was a committed member of various Baptist churches across Chicago, Louisiana, and California. She was baptized at New Zion Baptist Church (Colfax, LA). She established many bonds during her fellowship at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church and Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church (under Rev. John Sims of Fresno, CA). Her bond with St. Rest Baptist Church, particularly with Rev. DJ Criner, remained strong until her final days. Since 1986, Brendel was a dedicated member of the local Fresno Order of the Eastern Star (OES), Rebecca Chapter, which is an active organization to reflect the spirit of fraternal love and doing good by others. Brendel was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Annie Lee Clark; her sister-cousin, Ruth Jefferson; her eldest daughter, Brenekie Onya Allen; and a host of beloved family members and friends, especially her lifelong best friend, Lourain LaCour. She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert L. "R.L." Jackson; her loving daughter, Dr. Natasha Greene; her beloved sister, Gwendolyn Allen; her beautiful bonus children, Samone Jackson, Rodney Jackson (Janine), Murriel Green, and Bernice Tyler; her grandchildren, Chasity Milner, Novel Allen, Ailoni McDowell, Lailah McDowell, and Donnivyn Jackson; her daughter-in-love, Susie Robey; and her besties, Bertha Jean Coward and Delores "Babysister" Gaskin; along with countless bonus grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchildren, and close friends who cherished her dearly. Brendel's impact on the world cannot be measured in words alone. She touched the hearts of all who knew her, imparting wisdom, love, and a sense of purpose to everyone she encountered. Her legacy as an educator, community advocate, and faithful servant will live on in the lives of her family, friends, and the many students she inspired throughout her life. Brendel is free! To be absent with the body is to be present with the Lord. May her spirit rest in eternal peace, and may we carry forward the lessons she so passionately shared with us in education, community development, service, and love. Please keep the family in prayer. ~Miller & Hill "The Funeral Directors"