For 65 years Sadie Marie Jackson of McKeesport ran a successful seamstress business and was known throughout the region for her designs and garments.
At age 90, she retired from the Mon-Yough Senior Citizens Club of McKeesport where, for several years, she held the position of accountant/treasurer.
And at age 100, she did what anyone else would —celebrate it with a big birthday party.
On May 7, three days before her actual birthday, Jackson celebrated birthday No. 100 with over 70 relatives, friends, church members and the staff at Riverside Care Center in McKeesport where she resides.
“This is delightful,” said Rev. Richard Truss. “You don’t see this a lot. The celebrating of God’s goodness of 100 years.” Truss, a McKeesport resident, is the current minister of Zion Baptist Church where Jackson has been a member for over 90 years. Her father, John Steele, mortgaged his home over 100 years ago to make the down payment for the purchase of the church.
As a student in the McKeesport public school system, Jackson’s mother taught her how to knit, crochet and sew. Upon graduation, she attended sewing and design trade schools in Pittsburgh and became an accomplished seamstress. She designed, fabricated and produced a variety of garments for individual and commercial clients with a focus on wedding gowns, men’s suits and home and commercial window treatments. She was employed as a seamstress by Magee-Women’s Hospital where she was responsible for fabricating window drapes and curtains in patients’ rooms. For 12 years, she was employed by Jason’s Department Store, one of McKeesport’s prestigious businesses. She also taught adult sewing classes at the McKeesport YWCA.
Jackson was also known for her cooking and baking skills, famous for her cakes, cookies, pies, cobblers and her numerous signature main course meal dishes. Her hobby of collecting different spices, seasonings and recipes led her to catering large functions, directing and managing weddings, receptions, social affairs and events.
At age 65 Jackson received a calling to preach, and began preparation to become an evangelist. She completed several courses at the YWCA Outreach Bible School in 1988 and was awarded a diploma of completion. She completed additional studies and received the Victorious Faith Evangelistic Outreach Certificate in 1991 and the Preparing to Preach Workshop Certificate in 1992.
After three years of study at the Spiritual Life Institute of McKeesport she received a certificate of award in 1994 and became an official evangelist.
Fulfilling a longtime goal, she traveled to Jerusalem in 1992, visiting Garden Tomb, Skull Hill and the Garden of the Resurrection.
Jackson is an Eastern Star member of Temple 323 in McKeesport where she received a lifetime membership certificate in 2006 and is a longstanding member of the McKeesport ELKS where she also received a lifetime membership certificate.
She and her husband James Hester had one daughter, Audrey Hester Carter. She later married Hosea Jackson. Both James Hester and Hosea Jackson have passed away, along with her daughter Audrey, leaving Sadie as the last member of the immediate family.
“Sadie’s 100 years have been filled with so much love, creativity, learning, supporting and giving to others,” said Priscilla Lamb, Jackson’s godchild, guardian and organizer of the event. “If you ask her she’d say, ‘I’ve always been blessed. God blessed me with a lovely daughter, wonderful Christian-loving parents and family, and hosts of wonderful friends that always supported me.’”
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