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"The sun shines bright in the Old Kentucky Home."
A stout, coal black negress was softly crooning as she rocked her easy chair in the large kitchen of MU Chapter's first home. Fruit was preparing in her deft fingers for "Her Boys" luncheon. Fragrance of magnolia blossoms filled the air and shadows cast by lilac bushes vied with the brillance of spring sunshine. She looked up. Crash went fruit, pan and all. "My Boy!" she cried. Loving arms enveloped me and the peace that passeth understanding soothed my soul. It was Aunty Jack who welcomed me home.
This was the great heart who for a quarter of a century mothered and loved members of Mu Chapter, Sigma Chi, Denison University, Granville, Ohio. Born in slavery in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, 85 years ago, on the Joel P.
Williams plantation, adjoining the famous (General) Morgan estate, she passed a happy, carefree childhood. "Quality folks" were those she served and adored, and their influence never left her. The remarkable ordering of her future life must have come from this early environment.
When the War of the Sections freed her she became a refugee and while still in her teens stopped at Granville, Ohio, where her real life's work began and ended. Willing, even fightingly anxious to work, her career in many respects parallels that of Joseph in Egypt, she fed, councelled and comforted people. Her simple dignity and culinary skill won the respect of "Town and Gown."
Mu Sigs seeking cook and housekeeper chose far better than they knew. With some misgivings she accepted their offer and the post. Her only child, a son, was dead. Her husband, part Indian and veteran of the Civil War, was shiftless, though lovable and sometimes proved a handicap to her activities. Once installed in the "Old Kerr House," then rented by the Chapter, she was mistress of the situation and became everything to "Her Boys."
This coal black lady, white as snow to her charges, won the confidence and love of every Sigma Chi who came under her influence. Attempts to lure her away by higher wages (and there were many) were promptly rejected. "My boys need me. I'm a loyal Sigma Chi, though never spanked" was her answer.
And so she remained to the end.
Lawyers, teachers, business men and others in quieter walks of life returned annually to sit at her feet and learn. If they wore the White Cross it sufficed. All left rejuvinated by her indomitable will and spirit.
Aunty could be a martinet. She boxed the ears of pledges who failed to perform household duties properly, but tempered punishment with a contagious laughter that made them like it. She kept a sharp eye on all comings and goings. Sometimes in Chapter affairs, she overruled the "C" even the entire Chapter --- and the "Old Lady's" judgement was usually correct. Though unable to read or write she was the chairman of the commissary department and woe to the butcher, grocer or baker who sent poor food or short weight.
Whence came this keen insight into human nature?
Might as well ask who tints the apple blossoms or who teaches bees calculus.
Love for "Her Boys" was as fierce as that of the tigress for her cub. If complaints came about some youthful indiscretion from neighbors she drew herself up proudly and replied: "My Boys don't do such things."
A bad half half hour, however, was in store for the culprits in the quietude of her sancturary --- the kitchen.
When almost the entire Chapter volunteered for service in the World War they went (for) her deepest blessing. She was intensely patriotic. During anxious days that followed she was found on her knees imploring Divine care for her children.
Their home-coming will never be forgotten. Before going to their own homes many hurried to Aunty Jack and the reception wiped out memory of bitter hours spent in the trenches and on the front.
MU boys were ever lavish entertainers. Here it was that the fine art of cooking, learned in old Kentucky, came into its own. She personally prepared every banquet and the co-ed who received an invitation considered herself lucky.
One of "Her Boys" wrote this upon learning of her death.
"Among her many interests was the sympathetic following of the Chapter romances. Her sentimental side was not known to all. Her heart went out to the girl who wore a Sig pin. She enjoyed having people who were in love, about her. Some of the dearest memories of the girls of yesterday are the handouts of banquet food served at the kitchen door to a chosen few by Aunty while one of the big affairs of the year was in progress inside. Food never tasted like this elsewhere."
Swains often brought their sweethearts for Aunty's inspection. If she approved they were taken to her heart. If not, thumbs down. Pressed for a reason she replied! "I do not think your mother would approve."
Another boy wrote: "She had a big purpose in life --- 'Her Boys' constituted the driwing force. Her untiring desire to serve them plus the atmosphere of vital youth in which she constantly worked, compensated for the drain on physical strength, and even her very soul, itself. Hers was not an easy task, but she was by nature and training fitted for great responsibilities."
Laughter and sunshine filled the Chapter home but through it all ran the quiet dignity of Aunty Jack which won the admiration of mothers who came on Mother's Day. She knew her place and never overstepped bounds. The Mothers invariably insisted that she sit with them for the group pictures.
Another incident which shows the respect and love of "Her Boys" is this:
"Mrs. Jackson was the most honored guest at my wedding. She occupied the best room in my father's house. Looked after my wife immediately prior to the wedding and I never shall forget her walking down the stairs just behind us. She stopped at the landing and stood there in view of everybody with her hands on her hips. When the ceremony was over she rushed down the stairs and was the first to greet us with a kiss. I don't suppose there ever was a colored person who was treated with the respect and honor accorded her by the guests at our wedding. Hardly anybody present knew her or about her but her dignified bearing and perfect poise captivated everybody present."
When time took its toll and Aunty Jack was forced to give up her active work she still was the honored guest at Home Coming banquets --- none was complete without her heart-felt talk.
Her end came peacefully, October 18, 1934, with the dawn. Birds were singing their matutinal song to their Creator as she passed over the river to take charge of the Chapter Eternal.
What a home coming she received from Judges Keeler, Ferris, McCann and her other boys.
The funeral ceremony for Mrs. Edna Jackson was held in her beloved Methodist Episcopal church on October 20, 1934. The auditourium was crowded, her pastor, Rev. Paul Rugg, Sigma Chi, preached the sermon. One of her dearest "Boys" paid tribute; the town was also represented; the entire active Chapter was present; Alumni Sigs were pall-bearers and tenderly laid her away in beautiful Maple Grove Cemetery.
