Homegoing Celebration for Mrs. Johnnie Mae Jackson of Tampa, FL who passed away, on Sunday, December 20, 2015 will be held Wednesday, December 30th, 2:00 p.m. at Aikens Funeral Home Chapel, 2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Minister Jacqueline Coffie-Leeks, officiating. The interment will be in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery. Johnnie Mae Jackson was born to the late Susie Mae Gibbons and the late John Jackson on May 4, 1936 in Louisville, Georgia. She was primarily raised in Tampa, Florida and attended both Middleton High School and Don Thompson High School. She was affectionately known to her family and closest friends as "Jack". At an early age, Johnnie Mae confessed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. In 1954, she married her first husband, Ronald Mitchell who preceded her in death. To this union, six children were born, one child preceded her in death (Rhonda Vonceil). In 1977, she married her second husband, Timothy Charles Yates. Johnnie Mae could easily be called a jack of all trades; she was licensed as a master barber and in 1966, she became the first black female barber to open her own Barber Shop, "Soul Sisters Barber Shop"; she was also a certified nurse's assistant, a teacher's assistant, and a cafeteria cook. She enjoyed being involved in the lives of her children and took great pleasure at seeing her family grow and blossom before her very eyes. As a result, of her nurturing spirit she became mother to many of her nieces, nephews, friends, co-workers, and more. She sacrificially provided advice, love, and endless support to her family and loved ones. Johnnie Mae knew how to both survive and thrive. She had a green thumb and the ability to make anything grow out of nothing. She could easily make a meal from a sack of rice, 1 egg and a piece of meat. Although she often appeared quiet and somewhat aloof, she was always quick minded and ready for her next move. Family and friends we celebrate the life and legacy of a strong, passionate woman who was adored by so many and has touched lives across the globe. The legacy she leaves will live on through her loved ones who will continue to celebrate her life: devoted daughters: Caroline E. Hollingsworth, Valarie P. Mitchell, Kimberly S. Walker (Stacy); devoted sons: Ronald Mitchell (Frauke), Reginald Mitchell (Diane); devoted grandchildren granddaughters: Zena D. Mitchell, Fredricka M. Brown, Ashley Hollingsworth, Brittnie Hollingsworth, Natasha N. Clinton (Vanreese), Candace Mitchell Echols, Stacie L. Abdallah (Joseph), Annika Mitchell; grandsons: Reginald Jerome Mitchell, Sedrick Brown, and Korey Walker; devoted great grands: great granddaughters: Sedraneki Mitchell, Fredre'Anna Hunt, Tayanna R. Davis, Dynasty (Juicy) Brown, Sedriyonna (Yaya) Brown, Sedrineque (Cookie) Brown, Sedrianna Brown, Kamryn Clinton and Aiyanna Mitchell; great grandsons: Isaiah R. Higginbotham, Sedrick Brown Jr., Christopher Lloyd Echols, Izaiah Conley; Nehemiah Abdallah and Noah Abdallah; brother, David Jackson; nieces, Diane Clark and Lei Jackson McMade (Michael); nephews, Michael Hill (Ella), David Hill, David Jackson, Jr. Charles Clark and Edwin Clark (Diane); and a host of other relatives and friends. The visitation will be held at Aikens Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 29th from 4-7 p.m. The family will receive friends from 4-5 p.m. The family and friends are asked to meet at the chapel on Wednesday for the service.