Bertie was born at her Grandmother Hughes' house in Eden, Texas, to Odessa Mae (Hardin) Hamilton and Elmer Bryan Hamilton in 1937. The eldest of two, she helped raise her younger sister, Nora, when she came along quite a few years later.

When Bertie was a youngster, her family moved around quite a bit, resulting in her attending many different schools. One school bus picked her up so far away from the house that she sometimes rode her pony to catch it, leaving him tied to a shade tree until she was dropped off that afternoon.

In her 40s, Bertie decided to further her education and attended Cisco Junior College to enhance her skills with things like typing. She loved to joke that she didn’t learn a dang thing from it.

On May 10, 1956, Bertie met the love of her life, Kay Jackson, at the Spot Café in Cisco, Texas. There are some very funny stories involving this first encounter, but he apparently talked her into taking a ride on his motorcycle and that led to their marriage the same year in October. Shortly thereafter, they had their first son, Terrell, and a few years later, his brother, Bryan, came along.

Bertie was deeply involved in her boys’ lives while they were growing up—serving as head of the PTA, a member of the JCettes (the female version of the JC’s), a Homeroom Mother, and helping run concession stands during ball games. She loved every moment spent with her family and friends. Motorcycles were always a big part of the family, and she even rode to places like Ruidoso, NM, behind Kay more times than you could count. There are also many fond, and a few not-so-fond memories of the family’s camping trips, traveling throughout the southern states in what always seemed to be a different camper or motorhome each year. Whatever was happening, the Jackson family adventures were always exciting.

Bertie worked several jobs in her early years, but her most passionate and important work was helping with the family auto parts business, which was started in 1985 with Kay, and their son Bryan and his wife, Tina. She excelled as the Office Manager and was an excellent long-time Accounts Controller, handling everything by hand before computers came into play. To this day, many of the handwritten journals and books she used are displayed in the family motorcycle museum in Eastland.

Bertie was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Cisco, but she made her home and family a church for all. Her faith was always evident in her life, and she lived it out through love, kindness, and hospitality. Her two sons, Terrell and Bryan, both became ordained pastors who continue to travel the world sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Though she always struggled with sharing her boys with the world, her support for them never wavered.

She remained prayerful and steadfast, cheering them on in every way as they fulfilled their callings.

The Jackson household was always full of life, with kids, family, and friends constantly coming and going. Bertie absolutely loved cooking for them all. She would bring a dish or two anywhere she was invited as a common courtesy, and she loved cooking for church gatherings as well. The good ol’ days were always alive and well under Bertie’s helm—until Kay or anyone else stepped foot in her kitchen. Even in her last days, she would perk up with that stern look, followed by a sharp remark, when anyone entered her sacred cooking space.

Bertie was so full of love, especially for her family.

She was ornery, and she’d be the first to tell you she was bull-headed and opinionated.

But in the next second, she could shoot you a smile with a twinkle in her eye like you were sharing a special secret together. Though she had her rough edges in her later years, the good Lord blessed her with immense kindness and love as she finished her journey.

Bertie’s life was a testament to her favorite Bible verse, Ecclesiastes 8:15: “So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.” She truly embodied these words - finding joy in every moment, sharing laughter, love, and good food with those around her. Her home was a place of warmth, her table always open, and her heart always full.

Bertie’s legacy of love lives on through her surviving family members, including her husband of 68 years, Kay Jackson; sister Nora and husband Loren Stroebel of Cisco, TX; son Terrell Jackson and wife Lynn of Cisco, TX; son Bryan Jackson and wife Tina of Eastland, TX; numerous wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services and Celebration of Life was held Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Cisco Texas at Kimbrough Jacobs Funeral Home at 2:00 PM. Visitation was prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM and Graveside followed the service at approximately 3:00 PM. The funeral home is located at 300 W. 9th Cisco, Texas 76437, (254) 4421211. In lieu of flowers, please gift a meal to someone you love - and remind them to enjoy life.

A special thank you to Solaris Hospice, especially Nurse Kamelia and Aide Angela, for their devoted love and compassion in caring for Bertie.

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