Mrs. Clifford Jackson became 100 years old Nov. 18 and was honored with a celebration Nov. 19 at the home of a sister, Bessie Studier. Dozens of friends and family attended to offer their best wishes and enjoy lunch and birthday cake with her.

Mrs. Jackson was born Nov. 18, 1911, to Ward L. and Emma Fetzer Helmey in Effingham County. She was the eldest of five daughters. She also had six brothers. Sisters Bessie Studier and Ellen Danker and brother Jack Helmey were among the guests to honor her. Sister-in-law Wilma Helmey, who made the cake Jackson is holding, also attended.

During her working years, she devoted her time as nanny and housekeeper for several families. She also cared for newborns and their mothers. She is fondly remembered today by many of the children, now adults, she cared for over the years.

She was married to Charles Jackson in 1963 and they lived near her parents’ home on Helmey Road in Pineora until Charles passed away. After her parents’ passing, she became housekeeper for her younger brother, Walton Helmey. In 2006, both she and Walton became residents at Effingham Care Center in Springfield, where she still resides.
Jackson had a special talent for raising beautiful flowers inside in pots and outside in beds.

She enjoyed trying new varieties of flowers and was very successful in making them grown and blossom. She loved amaryllis and African violets especially.

“Miss Clifford” has remained in relatively good health and her family is hoping that her future days will be filled with good health and the blessings of a close family and many friends.