Barbara L. Jackson of Riverhead died August 13, 2017 at home. She was 82 years old.
She was born on January 10, 1935 in New York City to Velma Hopkins.
She graduated from Riverhead High School in 1953. She was a stay-at-home mom until 1965, at which time she became a teacher’s assistant in the Riverhead school system. She spent the next 20 years working as a reading specialist. After her school retirement, Barbara and her husband “Ex” moved to Gardiners Island to oversee the day-to-day operations of the remote island. On her return to Mattituck, she began working at Barker’s Pharmacy and tutored children with dyslexia for more than 20 years. Her favorite pastime and passion for helping school-aged children learn to read was extraordinary. She loved to travel and cherished her “adventures” to Maryland, Massachusetts, and other locations throughout the United States with family.
Predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Harry “Ex” Jackson, and her great-grandson Landon, she is survived by her three children, Harry Jr. (Brenda), Steve, and Susan (Joseph), five grandchildren, Melanie (Bill), Harry III (Noelle), Steve Jr., Lauren (Ryan) and Paige and by four great-grandchildren, Brody, Hunter, Evan and Emily.
The family will receive visitors Friday, August 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral home in Mattituck. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 26 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial donations in her memory may be made to East End Hospice, 481 Westhampton-Riverhead Road, PO Box 1048 Westhampton Beach, NY 11978-7048.
