Eulalia DeArtis Jackson

On August 2, 2025, Eulalia DeArtis “Dee Dee” Bush Jackson was called home to be with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and unwavering devotion to family.

Born July 28, 1941, in Saint Louis, Missouri, to the late James Claybourne Bush of Covington, Virginia, and Odessa DeArtis Taylor Bush of Saint Louis, Missouri, Dee Dee was the firstborn of three daughters in this blessed union—Eulalia, Carlyn, and Sidney.

Affectionately known as Dee Dee, she embraced faith early in life, accepting Jesus Christ as her Savior at a young age. Her spiritual journey began as a devout Catholic at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, where she first nurtured her deep connection to her faith. As she grew in wisdom and grace, she transitioned to St. Alphonsus Liguori “Rock” Catholic Church, where her beliefs remained her spiritual compass throughout her life. She never went anywhere without her rosary beads—symbols of her prayerful, enduring faith.

Dee Dee was a proud product of the Saint Louis Public School system and a graduate of Soldan High School. She furthered her education at Harris Teachers College (now Harris-Stowe State University), where she earned her degree in Secondary Education. It was during this time, in 1963, that she joined the illustrious sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, carrying on the proud family tradition of membership in the Divine Nine (“D9”), a historically African American Greek-letter organization. Her father was a distinguished member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and her beloved mother a devoted member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Dee Dee dedicated 45 years to teaching in the Saint Louis Public School system—a career marked by unwavering passion for her students. Her firm and disciplined approach, rooted in care and high expectations, earned her the respect of those she taught. Through that respect, she helped shape her students into stronger, more capable individuals.

Dee Dee was more than a scholar—she was a nurturer. She married and welcomed her first son, Donald Claybourne “Boonie” Parker (deceased). In time, she remarried, forming a beautifully blended family that she proudly called her own. When asked how many children she had, Dee Dee always said “thirteen,” never distinguishing between biological or stepchildren. Her love knew no bounds, and her definition of family was as expansive as her heart.

Dee Dee believed in family, faith, and education—values that she instilled in her children, grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her. Her legacy lives on through her acts of kindness, wisdom, and her steadfast example of what it means to love unconditionally.

Dee Dee leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved sister, Sidney Bush McCurtis; her children: Arnetta Major, Vondell Jackson Jr., Antonio “Tony” Jackson, Zaundrea Pinner, Damon “Damo” Morris, Talonn Jackson, Nicole “Nikki” Jackson-Shivers, Devin Jackson, twins Darrell and Darcell Robinson, and Chelsea Brooks.

She was a proud grandmother of 54 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way, and leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Her parents, James and Odessa Bush; her sister, Carlyn Bush; and her sons, Donald Parker and David Jackson, preceded her in death.

In celebrating her life, we remember a woman who lived fully and loved fiercely. Her legacy is etched into the hearts of those who knew her, and her spirit lives on in every family gathering, every whispered prayer, and every lesson passed down through generations.

Rest well, Mom, Dee Dee. Your work here is done.

You are deeply loved, and you will forever be missed.