Mary Brooks Gaissert Jackson

Mary Brooks Gaissert Jackson, of Opelousas, LA, passed peacefully away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at St. Joseph Hospice in Lafayette, LA. Born on September 15, 1933 in Griffin, GA, she was the daughter of the late George and Mary Gaissert. 

She is survived by her daughters Virginia Brooks Britton (Michael Smith), Elizabeth Snow Jackson, son Blake Britton Jackson (Joyce di Vito), daughter in law Anne Catherine Hebert Jackson, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 (72) years, Clay Bradford Jackson, Sr., their son, Clay Bradford Jackson, Jr, her brother George Brooks Gaissert and her sister Georgia Gaissert.

Mary graduated from Griffin High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan College in Macon, GA. As a dedicated Air Force Wife of over 20 years, she supported Clay in his career as a pilot in Strategic Air Command, Forward Air Controller in Vietnam, tours at the Pentagon, Southern Command in the Panama Canal Zone and other duty stations.

In Panama, daughter Virginia became a principal dancer with the Panama National Ballet. Mary became very active, transporting her to classes and rehearsals, but also with writing articles for the local papers promoting the performances

She was involved in the Officer's Wives Club, serving as President holding several successful fund raisers for the scholarship fund. She was always thinking of ways to raise money for worthy causes.

After Clay's retirement, they returned to Old Town Alexandria, VA. They became involved in real estate, working with the Charles R Hooff Company. Later Mary became the director of the small museum The Athenaeum.

To support Clay's declining health, they moved south to Opelousas to be near son Bradford and wife Cathy. Mary became active in the Daughters of the American Revolution (Opelousas Chapter) and the Preservation Society.

[we will all miss the hats she wore to protect her complexion!]

A Memorial Service will be held at Epiphany Episcopal Church at a date to be determined. Internment will be in Arlington National Cemetery, also at a later date.