Compassion, Courage, Grace & L-O-V-E

Ms. Picture Window (1957) transitioned from earth to heaven on February 4, 2016

Born on September 9, 1940 in South Carolina to Charles Reaves and Josephine Belton. The eldest of four children Richard Reaves, the late Clarice (Reaves) Thomas, the late Cynthia (Reaves) Hercules. The youngest brother; the late Floyda Jordan recently preceded her in death.

Elaine was educated in the Public School System where she joined several organizations and was very popular. After attending charm school encouraged by her aunt Margie. She gained a lot of attention in the modeling community. She was voted *Ms. Picture Window November 1957 and graced the cover of their magazine. Her popularity gained her a lot of friends and foes alike. She was given the nickname “Toni” after wearing her hair like one of her favorite actors Tony Curtis. After a long courtship from age 14 she married PFC of the US Army Johnnie Jackson on January 17, 1958. He adopted & loved her eldest child Johnnie Anthony (Murphy) Jackson as his own. To Bobby’s & Toni’s union of 27 years was born Brenda R. (Jackson) Mobley, Antoine & Lamont Jackson. While exploring life and raising her family she formed a relationship with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Jackson family would become members of the Emmanuel Soul Saving Station Brooklyn New York. While being a Christian there would be many challenges and trials. As she tried to face every obstacle with grace and courage her children looked on especially her only daughter, Brenda. She would later become to understand what a close relationship with Christ would mean. Elaine would become a paraprofessional in the New York City school system winning the admiration of parents, students, teachers and principals. Elaine loved people and loved to talk. She was never dull and always informative. As her children and students listen attentively she began to plant seeds of life into them teaching them about how important it was to know your black history and the true celebration of the holidays.…?

We were raised to believe in family and reunions and her children were happiest; when they stayed in hotels visiting various states, cities learning about different historical sites. In 1969 the couple set out to provide a better life for their family and moved to Hollis, Queens N.Y. where they celebrated the purchase of a 9 ½ room home. In her life Elaine has helped many people, sharing her heart and love. She was a den mother, a tour guide, sales district leader for several top companies and last a health care worker. She conducted bible studies in her home. Helped to organize community block parties, barbecues and sleepovers. Who didn’t love Elaine…?
As her family watched as life began to take a toll on her marriage and ultimately her health; they could not imagine what would come next. After the dissolution of her marriage and the sale of their home. Elaine would seem to never find another home or mate. Moving in and out with over 15 different addresses. All while her four children were there to help and support. She became an advocate for her own health related issues seeking the best care and treatment.

She leaves now for you to reflect on a committed life of compassion, courage, grace and love. Her brother Richard Reaves, aunt Clara. First cousins Tyrone, Roslyn & Victor, Karl & Adrian, nieces & nephews Leslie, Mark, Amirah Monique, Sharida, Kamal Keisha, Tiffany. A Special childhood friends Agnes Badger, Ella Carlton, Cecilia Pressley* Special neighbors Georgina Johnson, Lowe family. Grandchildren Joyce, Nicole D. Brown, Anthony & Kareem, Nakia & Joshua, Lamont Jr. Her only son-in-law Anthony C. Mobley, daughters-in-law Treedia & Shelly and a host of other grandchildren, great-grands close family and friends.

The Family

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