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Rev. Jesse Jackson’s mother dies at 92

Associated Press | 9/18/2015, 6:38 a.m.
Helen Burns Jackson, mother of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, has died. She was 92.
Mrs. Jackson

GREENVILLE, S.C.

Helen Burns Jackson, mother of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, has died. She was 92.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson told The Associated Press his mother died Monday, Sept. 7, 2015, at Greenville Memorial Hospital. He described his mother as a talented musician, active member of her church and big inspiration for much of his community activism. Born in 1923, Mrs. Jackson “lived under very trying circumstances, but she was so determined to make a contribution,” her son said.

Mrs. Jackson also is survived by a younger son, Charles “Chuck” Jackson, a singer, songwriter and producer who wrote several songs for Natalie Cole.