Judy “Alabama” Jackson

It’s with great sadness we announce that Judy C. Jackson, 70, of Mt. Ayr, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.

Judy was born on December 23, 1951 to Leola L. and H.T. Ferguson in Rustin, LA. After attending Glen High in Louisiana, she went on to live life to the fullest. A true child of the 60’s, Judy entertained a series of whirlwind marriages to Reymus Ford and Don Glover, of which no children were born. She then met and married the love of her life, Anthony “Tony” Jackson. Even though Judy believed she was not destined to ever have children, Megan Elizabeth blessed their lives in 1987. Judy raised Megan as a single parent when tragically Tony passed 4 years later. Megan showered Judy with grandchildren: Jayden, Chloe, Abbie Jo, Kenley and Brylee.

Throughout her life, Alabama (the name many of us knew her as) worked as a waitress or most notably as a bartender at the Southside bar in Mt. Ayr. Judy lived a life many could only dream of…from fast paced city life to relaxed country living. She had sailed the oceans and fished from yachts, flown in private jets and known a world of lavishness. Judy loved to spend an entire day fishing alone or dancing to her own drum. She could shoot pool with the best, hold a good conversation over a cold beer or take a last-minute car ride from Iowa to her childhood stomping grounds, Alabama or Louisiana. She was an amazing cook who would whip up the best southern meal for friends or family. A person never knew a dull moment in the flashing presence of “Alabam”. The stories she wove in her southern drawl will long be remembered.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Ronnie Ferguson, sister Linda Gayle Haley, brother-in-law, Robert Faye Haley, step-brothers, Carl, Larry and David Mann, and husbands Don Glover and Tony Jackson.

Left to cherish her memory is daughter Megan (Tracy) O’Neill, grandchildren, Jayden and Chloe Pickering, Abbie Jo, Kenley and Brylee O’Neill of Lamoni, IA, step-brother, Claude Mann of Dallas, TX, niece Syndi (Jim Weaver) Noble, nephew Bobby Haley, grand-niece Dakota (Nick Shoman) Noble, grand-nephew Christopher (Heather and Emily Edrozo ) Noble, great-grand-niece Aysa Shoman of Winterset, IA, grand-niece Breanne (Drew Furman) Haley of Plainfield, IL, and niece Rebecca (Joao

Sergio) de Araujo of Tustin, CA.  Judy never met a stranger so also leaves behind many friends and acquaintances and many adopted kids.

As Alabama wished, friends and family will be gathering for a Celebration of Life in lieu of a memorial service on December 17th, 2022 at 5pm at the American Legion in Mount Ayr. Donations can be sent to 28461 N State St Lamoni IA 50140 .

Everyone is invited to come and share your stories and memories to be enjoyed by all. Be prepared for the best Bloody Mary bar ever.