Mrs Adell Elizabeth Jackson

On January 16, 1939, Frank and Atha Snell welcomed a baby girl, Adell Elizabeth Snell, into the world. Adell was born in Nashville, TN and was affectionately known as “Sissy” throughout her childhood. After graduating from high school, Adell attended Tennessee State University before transferring to Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, where she studied to become a teacher. While in Detroit, she was employed as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service. She was also an avid bowler who participated in assorted bowling teams and tournaments. Through this hobby she met a fellow postal worker, Urias “Poncho” Jackson. Adell and Urias married and spent the next 59 years building a life together in Detroit. Two children were born to this union, Dennis and Jennifer. Adell loved children, evidenced by her career path and the many children of friends and family who considered her a “bonus” auntie, mom or grandma. She worked as a teacher’s aide at Marcy Elementary School where she taught special needs first and second grade students. She later joined the staff of Renaissance Head Start in 1998. She worked as a part-time assistant teacher before becoming a Social Service Assistant. She was promoted to Family and Community Partnerships Program Manager; a position she held for five years before retiring in 2003. Adell believed in the value of education and regretted not finishing the bachelor’s degree she began after high school graduation. At the age of 52 she started taking courses at Wayne County Community College. She transferred to Marygrove College where she earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 1997. Adell accepted Christ at a young age and spent her life nurturing her relationship with God. She was a long-time member of Metropolitan Baptist Church where she served in many capacities, including assisting with the disabled senior housekeeping ministry and the church nursery. She sponsored the Youth Usher Board and was a member of Senior Usher Board #2, serving as its president for five years. Adell departed this life on April 6, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Atha Snell; uncles Jefferson and Claxton Starnes, Alex Gosey and Lorenzo Snell, and aunts Lillian McGee, Roberta Haynes and Theresa Jobe; and brothers James and John Snell. Her memory will be cherished by her husband, Urias Jackson; children Dennis (Aleshia Carter) and Jennifer Jackson; granddaughter, Fire Jackson; and a host of nephews, nieces, great-nieces, great- nephews, cousins, “bonus” kids and friends.

Mrs Adell Elizabeth Jackson

January 16, 1939 - April 6, 2026