Ms. Mable Jackson Maddox, a resident of Montgomery, AL., passed away May 21, 2023. A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in Lilly Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

Mable Elizabeth Jackson Maddox lived a very full and meaningful life! Born in Verbena, Ala., to Jesse Holmes and Catherine Jackson, she was raised in the loving home of her grandparents, Jimmie and Callie Jackson. Mable was blessed to grace this earth for 96 years. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother, a loving sister, a caring cousin and a trusted friend. Mable’s legacy is a beautiful tapestry of children, grandchildren, family, friends and community.

Affectionately known as “Big Mable,” she had an inimitable style and a natural grace that caused her to command any room that she entered. Her infectious laughter and clever wit were the hallmarks of the many gatherings that she hosted in her home for family and friends. She absolutely loved to entertain others and share the joys of life.

Mable’s remarkable ability to listen, provide cogent advise and to be a valued confidant were among her greatest attributes. Her family and friends sat at her feet to gain guidance, direction and counsel; however, if you did not want to hear truth, then Mable was not the person to engage. Mable was a gifted leader. She had the innate ability to organize any effort and accomplish even the most difficult tasks with an exemplary spirit of excellence. She was a strong woman who faced life’s many challenges with boldness and an unfailing faith in God.

Growing up as an only child for almost 18 years, Mable was blessed to embrace her twin brothers (Clifford and Clinton), a sister (Callie) and a younger brother (Eddie). She also fiercely loved her cousin and “adopted” sister, Carolyn. It was her greatest joy to interact as often as possible with this intimate and beloved branch of her family.

Mable’s indomitable spirit lives on in her three girls (whom she called “The Whittaker Sisters”) — LaVonette, Joyce and Mable. They were the undisputed center of her universe. She invested much of herself in assuring that they were able to reach their God-given potential and live their lives to the fullest. In her later years, her capacity for love expanded as her grandchildren took center stage in her life as well.

While she deeply loved her family, Mable also treasured the many friends who contributed so much to her journey. She had a way of bringing diverse groups of people together and forming her own melting pot of love and togetherness. As her health declined, Mable’s life became a true example of “reaping what you sow,” when her sister-in-law, Laurasenia, volunteered to care for her, even working overtime as needed. In her final days, Mable began to refer to Laurasenia as her “earth angel.” Hers was truly a life well lived and well loved!

Mable was preceded in death by her mother, Catherine Coleman and her father, Jesse Holmes; her husband, Robert C. Maddox; her brother, Clifford Coleman; her great-granddaughter, Ariana Stovall; her son-in-law, Jerry Lynn Bartley; and her great-grandson-in-law, Tim Moseley.

Mable leaves precious memories of a life well lived with her three lovely daughters: LaVonette Delores Whittaker Bartley, Joyce Elizabeth Whittaker, and Mable Elaine Whittaker Baker, all of Montgomery, Ala.; three siblings, Clinton (Laurasenia) Coleman, Callie (Rev. Louis) Chatman, Eddie W. (Helen) Coleman, II and one sister-in-law, Williena Jean Coleman, all of Montgomery, Ala.; five grandchildren: Herman James Cromartie, Jr., Montgomery, Ala., LaVonette (William) Stokes, Jr., Birmingham, Ala., Frederick (April) Thomas, Jr., Montgomery, Ala., Freda Stovall, Montgomery, Ala., and Alan (Tiffany) Baker, Jr., Groton, Conn.; 14 great-grandchildren: Jasmine Moseley, Montgomery, Ala., Carviss (Jasmine) Jones, Dallas, Ga., Artaexia Stovall, Montgomery, Ala., Cheylin Jones, Talladega, Ala., Cameron Jones, Lawrenceville, Ga., Frederick Thomas, III, Atlanta, Ga., Nala Baker, Salisbury, N.C., Christin Jones, Lawrenceville, Ga., Clifton Stovall, Montgomery, Ala., Alexandra Thomas, Montgomery, Ala., Cori Elise Jones, Birmingham, Ala., and Alani Baker, Alana Baker and Alan Baker, III, all of Groton, Conn.; four great-great grandchildren: Jazyln Moseley, Jaice Moseley, and Jozlyn Moseley, all of Montgomery, Ala., and Caz Jones, Dallas, Ga.; god-children, Selma and Ella Ballard, Montgomery, Ala., Terrell and Tia Cunningham, Waldorf, Md., Nathaniel Lewis, Washington, D.C., Olivia Green, Montgomery, Ala., Viola Wright, Atlanta, Ga., Tammi Thomas, Ellicott City, Md., Marti Doneghy, Washington, D.C., Dorothy Odgen, Birmingham, Ala., Willie Hurst, Montgomery, Ala., and Ibrahim Lee, Montgomery, Ala.; a special friend, Mr. Freddie Manning, with whom she shared many of life’s moments; and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.