Darlene Jackson

Darlene Jackson, 66, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away on March 4, 2026, at Blake Medical Center. Born in Fort Myers, Florida, she moved to Bradenton at an early age and thrived in the Manatee School District. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior while young and lived her life guided by her faith.

Darlene was known for her kindness, loyalty, dedication, and humility. She possessed an infectious smile, a heart of gold, and a spirit marked by patience, forgiveness, and compassion for others. Recognizing her desire to help people, she became a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked in the nursing field for more than 30 years. Even after retiring, she continued to serve as the family nurse and cheerleader, always placing others before herself with quiet selflessness.

She is survived by her mother, Francine Hewitt; her children, Michael Jackson (Marie), Francine Houston (Bruce), and Ladaryl Houston; grandchildren Calecia Houston, Diondre Houston, and Davonne Richardson; and great-grandchild Devonne Jackson. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Norman and Nelly Ricks, her father Herbert Lee Jackson, her uncle Eugene White, her brother Fredrick Jackson, her nephews Sir Tavian Martin and Breyon Pittman, her siblings Velma, Joyce, Sandra, and James Jackson, and her lifelong partner George Houston Jr. She also leaves behind lifelong friends Betty Deneal and Cheryl Turner, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.