Sarah Jackson Gregory

SARAH ELIZABETH JACKSON GREGORY was born on February 8, 1950, in Winterpock, Virginia, to the late Reverend John A. Jackson and Mary Elliott Jackson. She was the sixth of ten children. She was preceded in death by her brothers John Edward Jackson, Thomas Jeremiah Jackson, and Norman Calvin Jackson, Sr. Sarah peacefully transitioned on May 30, 2026, at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Johnston Willis Hospital after battling pancreatic cancer.

Sarah was a woman of God who relied on her faith to guide her daily. At an early age, she was baptized and established a strong foundation as a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church Chesterfield. She later held dual membership with First Baptist Church of Centralia before returning to her home church of Tabernacle Baptist Church Chesterfield.

Sarah was educated in Chesterfield County Public Schools. She attended Carver High School before becoming one of the first Black students to integrate Grange Hall School, where she graduated in 1968 as one of the first three Black graduates.

Following high school, she attended vocational school and became a skilled upholsterer and seamstress. She shared her expertise by teaching upholstery for 25 years with Richmond Public Schools, 13 years at the Amelia-Nottoway Technical Center, and 6 years at the Arts and Educational Center in Montpelier, Virginia. Sarah's craftsmanship and teaching talents were widely recognized. Her expertise was showcased in Virginia Tech instructional videos featuring her upholstery techniques that aired on Comcast Cable in Chesterfield County for 10 years. She also contributed her skills at Marie Antoinette Interiors and Unsprung Upholstery Company in Richmond, Virginia.

Sarah devoted her life to serving others and supporting youth, always with a smile. She began volunteering with the Chesterfield Cooperative Extension in 1973 and became a 4-H volunteer in 1980. Over the years, she served in numerous leadership roles, including Superintendent of the 4-H Department at the Chesterfield County Fair for more than 30 years; board member of the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center; member of the Volunteer Chesterfield Extension Leadership Council, Virginia 4-H Adult Volunteer Leaders Association, and Virginia Chapter of 4-H All Stars for the Northeast District; and Chesterfield County 4-H volunteer leader with the 4-H Business Bunch and Clover Bud Clubs.

Sarah’s commitment to serving others earned numerous honors, including Virginia 4-H All Star (1987), the State 4-H Congress Volunteer Award (2013), and induction into the Chesterfield County Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame and National 4-H Hall of Fame (2022).

Her commitment to young people extended beyond 4-H. For 48 years, she served as a volunteer leader with the Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, including Troop 750 and Troop 980 of the Bermuda Heights Service Unit. Sarah was equally dedicated to preserving and sharing local history. She served on the Black History Committee of the Chesterfield County Historical Society and as a docent at the Historic Pleasant View African American School and Eppington Plantation.

Widely regarded as a pillar of the community and a pioneer in volunteer service, Sarah’s influence extended far beyond the organizations she served. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, and her light continues to shine through those she inspired.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories: husband of 55 years, Ruffin S. Gregory, Jr.; daughters, Selicia G. Allen (Reginald, Sr.), Shawnda G. Randall (Kristian); grandchildren, Renecia Allen, Reginald M. Allen, Jr.; great step grandchildren, Teshawn Fuller and Briyah Allen; brother, James Jackson (Dorothy); sisters, Mary Jones, Nancy Parker, Linda Cole, Ester Harris, and Annette Clanton; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Jamestown 4-H Educational Center, 3751 4-H Club Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185; make notation on check for the Sarah Gregory Fund.

The public viewing is Friday, June 12, from 9am-7pm at Mimms Funeral Home, 1827 Hull Street, Richmond, VA 23224.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 12 noon at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 11521 Coalboro Rd, Chesterfield, 23838. The church will livestream the service on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/share/1DtjmruzsL/ and YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@tbc-chesterfield2097/streams.

Interment will be at Dale Memorial Park.