Geraldine Jackson

9/16/1938 — 9/22/2016

• Service Date: 9/27/2016
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Sept. 16, 1938 - Sept. 22, 2016

Geraldine Jackson, lifelong resident of Lapwai, was called to eternal rest at her home with her family and beloved dog, Oscar, at her side.

"Gerrie" was born Sept. 16, 1938, to Ida and Arthur "Sully" Moore. She was raised in the old, wooden house that was once located next to the current Methodist Church in Lapwai. She joined her brothers, Arnold and James "Jimmy Mac," and in the following years more siblings would join the family.

As a young girl, Gerrie proudly represented the Chief Joseph Band Royalty for the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo, in Joseph, Ore. One of her fondest memories was traveling to Sheridan, Wyo., to participate in the rodeo parade in full regalia. Gerrie was also crowned Lapwai High School homecoming queen in 1958. Gerrie was known for her beauty and her quiet, modest behavior.

At 21 years of age, she met and married Kenny Billow. Kenny and Gerrie were known as smart, knowledgeable, business-minded people. They owned and operated many bars and taverns throughout Lewiston, and most famously the original P.K.'s in Lapwai. During this time, two children joined the family, Stephanie and Bobette.

In 1972, the current, two-story house was built on White Road. This is known as the "family home" as many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were raised here. In later years, the original sweathouse was built near the home and Gerrie would sweat daily with her family and close friends. Many laughs, prayers and happy memories were shared in her beloved sweathouse.

Family was most important to Gerrie, and in 1980 she was blessed with Luis, or "Son Son" as she called him. Luis joined a long list of children and cousins whom she raised as her own, and in her later years, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who also called her house home. In 1985, Gerrie met and married her best friend Charles "Chuck" Jackson. Gerrie was most happy and content staying home taking care of Chuck and Luis. She always took great pride in cleaning and cooking and was known for her healthy, homecooked meals with fresh vegetables from her garden.

Gerrie was an avid Lapwai Wildcats fan, participating in the Lapwai Wildcat Booster Club. One of her greatest joys was attending games to watch and support her nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She would travel near and far to support her kids, whether it was school athletics or various tournaments - the annual B.A.A.D. Basketball Tournament in Pendleton, Ore., being one of her favorites. Other hobbies included attending the Pendleton Roundup, Chief Joseph Days Rodeo, Mud Springs Encampment, camping, fishing and picking huckleberries with Chuck, Luis and family. She also revolved her days around her "Young and the Restless" episodes.

Gerrie was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Arnold McCormack, Arthur "Hoss" Moore, Gary "Hench" Moore, Calvin Moore, Mickey McCormack, Robert McCormack; sisters Leila "Snooks" Moore, Shirley "Shell" McCormack, Vera Ann Tuell; daughter Stephanie Allen; nephews Otis McCormack, Justin "Bus" Rabago; and grandson, Sam "Sampa" Enick.

Survivors include her children, Bobette Billow and Luis Arenas of Lapwai, Shawna Crane of Pendleton; brothers James "Jimmy Mac" McCormack of Winchester, Esky McCormack of Lapwai; sister Claudine Rabago of Lapwai; grandsons Julian Bronson and Matt Enick of Lapwai; and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly.

Dressing took place Monday at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home. A memorial was held at the Pi Nee Waus Community Center with a set of seven Walasat songs. Services will resume at 9 a.m. today at the Pi Nee Waus Community Center with another set of seven Walasat songs to conclude services. Burial will take place at the Nez Perce Tribal Cemetery with dinner to follow.

Service Information

Date & Time

Tuesday, September 27, 9:00 AM

Location

Pi-Nee-Waus Community Center
99 Agency Rd.
Lapwai, ID 83540

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