GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com)—On Friday morning, an incomparable resident of the City of Gainesville was honored by unveiling a street named in her honor.

It was a family reunion on the corner of NE 3rd Ave. and 17th St. in Gainesville. It was a beautiful day to celebrate the life of a truly beautiful woman—the late Magnolia Bradley Jackson.

Members of Mrs. Jackson’s family and the Gainesville City Commission, including Mayor Harvey Ward, were present at the unveiling ceremony.

“We all take up space in this world, but we don’t always all leave a mark on this world,” said the mayor. “Magnolia Jackson left a mark on this world.”

Mrs. Jackson’s family members join Mayor Harvey Ward (second to right) and Dr. Gladys Wright (right) for the sign unveiling. Courtesy: Joseph Jackimczuk/352today

Ward says the ripple effect from Mrs. Jackson will be felt for generations to come.

“Hopefully, children will look at this sign now and ask, ‘Who is Magnolia Jackson?’ Our job then is to ensure we can tell that story,” said Ward.

Mrs. Jackson’s legacy started and remained in the City of Gainesville. She was born in the unincorporated community of Rochelle. She graduated from Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach in 1944 and was, before her passing, the oldest living alumni in the country.

After graduation, Mrs. Jackson spent 40 years of her life dedicated to a career in education, inspiring thousands of students in Alachua County to pursue higher education and beyond. She reached the remarkable age of 106 years old, continuing to serve her community before ascending to heaven on May 25, 2024.

Courtesy: Joseph Jackimczuk/352today
Sign commemorates the unveiling of the co-named Magnolia B. Jackson Street. Courtesy: Joseph Jackimczuk/352today

“I want to thank everyone for being here and for continuously supporting our efforts to create a legacy that will be sustained for generations to come,” said Evy Evan Edwards, great-niece of Magnolia Jackson. “Honoring this street name in her name will do just that.”

Among her many accolades and achievements, Mrs. Jackson was an active voter since the passing of the Voting Rights Act in 1965.

“This is a legacy for us to always cherish and sustain throughout the generations to come,” said Dr. Gladys Wright. “Long live the legacy of Magnolia Bradley Jackson.”

The street unveiling promoted early voting and raised awareness for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s 5K Race on Saturday, October 26.