Letha Elizabeth Coyle Jackson, 97, was born on February 7, 1928, in Lexington, Ky., to Tilford James Coyle and Lucinda Isaacs Coyle. She was raised in Jackson County, Ky., and attended Kirby Knob School. One of eight children — seven sisters and one brother, Letha was the last surviving member of her family. She died on December 27, 2025.
From an early age, Letha learned perseverance, humility, and the value of honest work. She helped earn money for her school supplies by planting tobacco, lessons that shaped a lifetime of faithfulness and quiet strength. When Kirby Knob School ended at the eighth grade, she moved back to Lexington to live with her sister Katie and her husband so she could attend Athens High School.
Through a family connection, Letha met Robert “Bob” Houston Jackson Sr. Following Bob’s service in the United States Army at the close of World War II, they were married on May 31, 1946. Together they built a Christ-centered home marked by love, service, hospitality, and devotion to family. They lived in the greater Lexington area for many years and then lived in Tennessee and South Carolina before moving to Mooresville, N.C., to be near their grandchildren.
Letha was deeply devoted to her role as a homemaker and caregiver. She was an accomplished seamstress, cook, and gardener, blessed with a true green thumb. She delighted in God’s creation, especially wildflowers, and could name them all. Her creativity extended to poetry; she wrote poems of reflection and faith, had work published in a magazine, and began writing a novel.
Her faith was lived out daily through service. Letha volunteered in the schools attended by her five children and taught Sunday School for many years. She faithfully typed sermons on onionskin paper using a manual typewriter, humbly supporting the ministry of the church she loved. Her life reflected a servant’s heart and a quiet obedience to God’s calling.
Letha also found joy in fishing and boating, often sharing her practical wisdom with a smile. She loved traveling with her family, tent camping across the country in earlier years, trusting God’s protection on the open road. Later, she and Bob traveled internationally through his business and, after retirement, enjoyed motorhome trips to California, Alaska, and Florida — grateful for the blessings of a full and adventurous life.
Letha is survived by her children, Shirley Elizabeth Jackson Collins of Troutman; Dr. Robert Houston Jackson Jr. (Linda) of Troutman; Crystal June Jackson Hardee of Mooresville; Tilford James Jackson (Tracy) and his son Jake Guglielmelli of Ventura, Calif.; and Sidney Marlow Jackson of Mooresville. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Whitney Elizabeth Jackson Kapitan (Rick) of Waxhaw, N.C.; Ivey Louise Jackson Furnas (Ben) of Durham; and Ashley Jackson Moore (Adam) of Mooresville; and her great-grandchildren: Jackson, Grant, and Knox Furnas; Elliot and Aven Moore; and Josie Rose Kapitan. She is survived also by many nieces and nephews, especially Rose Katherine Hisel Brigden (Larry) of Concord, N.H.
Letha spent her final years in Mooresville, lovingly cared for by her sons and daughters, surrounded by grandchildren, and included in all family gatherings. She was deeply loved, honored, and cherished. With faith in God’s promise, her family rejoices that she is now at peace, having heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Her life stands as a testimony to steadfast faith, selfless love, and enduring grace.
Our family is so grateful to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County and especially to Lisa Brown and the nursing staff who cared for her faithfully, lovingly, and respectfully for the past two years.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2025, at the Cavin-Cook Funeral Home Chapel, Mooresville, with Rev. Dr. Robert H. Jackson Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Glenwood Memorial Park, Mooresville. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be sent to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County (https://www.hoic.org/) or to the Peninsula Baptist Church building fund (peninsulabaptist.com)
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the family of Mrs. Jackson. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.