Marjorie Jane Jackson passed away on Oct. 6, 2012, at 3:55 p.m. at home surrounded by her family. She is survived by her son Stephen Jackson, daughter-in-law Susan Jackson, granddaughter Stephanie Jackson, grandsons K. P. Morgan Jackson and six great-grandchildren.
Marjorie and husband Philip Jackson (Aug. 3 1926 – Mar. 3, 2004) moved to Coarsegold 38 years ago. She was born in Southern California and lived in Laguna Beach most of her childhood. She also spent time living in Cedar City, Utah, and Las Vegas, Nev. She loved to spend vacation time in the desert when she could.Marjorie had a hunger for knowledge and learning new things and researching the old. She also enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren, playing games, working both crossword and jigsaw puzzles, going on walks, socializing at the Grandmothers’ Club and playing canasta with her friends. Over the years she had worked for The Santa Ana Register, Orange Daily News and The Daily Pilot newspapers.
Marjorie was instrumental in establishing the Coarsegold Historical Society in January 1981. The charter members met at the old high school in Raymond for some time and began developing a plan to preserve the histories of the pioneer families who settled the eastern Madera County area. She was one of the major forces in interviewing, editing and producing “As We Were Told, Vol. I,” in 1990. She was also the impetus behind the publishing of “As We Were Told, Vol. II”, in 2009.
In 1991 the society bought the present Coarsegold Historic Museum property on Highway 41. As museum director, Marjorie developed many displays that have been enjoyed by visitors through the years. She held all the officer and board positions with the historical society; her favorite among the jobs was being the historian and establishing a research library at the museum. Her guidance and leadership have always been a crucial part of the organization.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m. in the Coarsegold Community Bible Church, 44934 Road 415, in Coarsegold.
In lieu of flowers, Marjorie asked that donations be made to the Coarsegold Historical Society, P.O. Box 117, Coarsegold, CA 93614, or Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw Ave., Suite B-6, Fresno, CA 93711-3513.
