Lizzie M. Jackson

Elizabeth M. “Lizzie” Jackson, 86, of Rock Island, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Hope Creek Care Center in East Moline.

Born Elizabeth May Benamon on March 14, 1939, in DeKalb, Mississippi, she was the daughter of Dan Benamon and Ella “Juanita” Rush. She later made her home in the Quad Cities, where she worked for more than 20 years at the former Sheraton Hotel in downtown Rock Island.

Lizzie was a strong and independent woman whose life was guided by her deep faith and love for her family. A faithful member of Second Baptist Church in Rock Island, she found great comfort in her church family. Her greatest pride and joy were her granddaughters and her beloved great-grandchildren, whom she lovingly called her “babies.” She enjoyed cooking soul food and was especially known for her greens. She also found pleasure in watching her favorite soap operas and shopping at JCPenney, but above all she treasured the time spent with her family.

She is survived by her two loving granddaughters, Courtney Jackson Rush and Tenisha Jackson, both of Rock Island; her nine great-grandchildren, Jermaine Henry Love Jones, Eunice Marie Love Jones, Lizzie Michelle Rush, Courtney Cherise Anne Northington, Christiana Leigh Northington, Cherish Jaidyn Northington, Rodnique Brown, Rodkel Brown, and Rain Brown; her sister, Nona Butler; a special friend, Percell Bell of Rock Island; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her two sons, Michael Jackson and Reginald Jackson; her sister, Leona Cole; and her brothers, Earl Benamon, Virgil Lee Benamon, James Benamon and John Lee Benamon.