Mary Belle Jackson, 76, formerly of Peoria, loving mother and grandmother, passed away at 5:18 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2006 at home, with her family by her side.

Mary was born on January 11, 1930 in Galesburg, IL, daughter of Arthur N. and Dorothy Wilmerth Lathrop Fields. She married Robert “Bob” Charles Jackson, Sr. on February 9, 1945 in Peoria. He preceded her in death in May of 1976 in Peoria. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, A. Loren Jackson; one granddaughter; and one great granddaughter.

She is survived by her two daughters, Vickie (Troy) Morgan and Mary L. Jackson; daughter-in-law, Jackie Draper; two sons, Raymond E. Jackson and Robert Charles (Debbie) Jackson, Jr.; twenty-seven grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; two sisters, Ellen Airgood and Thelma (Mike) Gerisher; three brothers, George (Pat) Fields, Robert (Nickie) Fields and Richard (Jackie) Fields; and two special aunts, Dorothy Castle and Clarabelle Manisicolco.

Mary was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. Mary loved to work in her yard and her flower garden. She enjoyed listening to Liberace and Fats Domino. Her favorite song was “Blueberry Hill”. Her family and especially her grandchildren were the most important things in her life. Her family is most proud of her for the loving care and kindness that she showed toward others.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Swan Lake Memory Gardens Chapel in Peoria, with Rev. Mary Kathryn Pearce officiating. Visitation will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Clary Funeral Consultants, 1625 West Candletree Drive, Peoria. Interment will be held at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Central Illinois Chapter, 606 West Glen, Peoria, IL 61614.