Loretta Jackson, age 82 years, of Holland Township, NJ, died peacefully on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at home, surrounded by her loving family and under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice.

Born on June 10, 1940, to Eleanor and Alonzo Nash Jr., Loretta grew up as an only child in Newark, NJ, where she attended elementary, middle school and later graduated from Westside High School. Shortly, after graduating high school, Loretta accepted a position as a medical assistant with Dr. Verner’s medical practice. 

On May 5, 1963, Loretta wed her high school sweetheart Julius Jackson at Zion Baptist Church in Newark, NJ, where she was an active member. After marriage Loretta and Julius relocated to South Plainfield, NJ, to raise their family. From their union, they had two daughters, Lynn and Dana. Loretta devoted her life to taking care of her family and loved ones. Her loving nature and sincere concern for others was personified through her work as a medical assistant. In addition to her full time position and love for family, she dedicated her free time volunteering at John E. Riley Elementary School. In 2004, after working 47 years, she retired and moved to Holland Township, NJ.

Her passions were dancing, listening to music, and traveling.  Loretta was an expert seamstress, impressive crocheter, exceptional stenographer, avid gardener, and enthusiast of word finds and jigsaw puzzles.

Loretta leaves to cherish her memory two loving daughters, Lynn Smith (Nate) and Dana Jones (Kyle); five grandchildren, Daryl Jackson (Jennifer), Kiandra Tyus (Isaiah), Chavez Smith, Aniya Smith, and Kendall Jones; great-nephew, Benny Bryant V; devoted bonus son, Bobby Johnson; three great-grandchildren, Kennedy Jackson, Isaiah Tyus Jr. and soon to be joining this world, Harley Jackson. Loretta also leaves to cherish her memory  her dear brother-in-law, Lenwood Jackson Jr. (Sandra); niece and nephews Gizelle Bryant, Benny Bryant Jr., Anita Muhammad (Amon), Holly Jackson (Gyasi), Lenwood Jackson Jr., a host of other relatives and friends. She will be sorely missed by her grandpups, Jak-Jak, Apollo and the late Eros.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Eleanor Lewis and Alonzo Nash, Jr., as well as her adoring husband and best friend, Julius Jackson, who died in 2020, and her sisters-in-law, Evelyn Williams and Vivian Bryant.

The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many comforting messages, floral tributes, prayers and expressions of kindness during this difficult time.

Loretta will lie in repose on Friday, April 28, 2023, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

Graveside committal prayers by Certified Celebrant D.J. Wright, followed by burial, will take place at Noon at Graceland Memorial Park, 1900 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ, and to which all are welcome.

Please visit Loretta’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a memorial candle, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution informations in her honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, via mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online by clicking HERE.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

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