Rosemary Jackson was born June 29, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the union of the late James
and Marie Busch. She also had a second father, whom she loved and helped aid in the upbringing
of her children, James Coleman, Sr. He preceded her in death. Rosemary was the eldest of
three children; leaving to mourn her memory, her only sister, Marjorie Allen and her only
brother, James Coleman, Jr. She began her new life to God?s Kingdom January 9, 2012, with
her children at her side. Preceding her in death, the love of her life, Arthur (Sonny) Lee
Jackson, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Sandra Jackson.
She dedicated her life to Christ at an age under the leadership of Pastor Hudson. She remained
a member of Peace Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastors Motley, Chandler and
Emanuel.
She received her education in the Cincinnati Public School System, at Dyer Elementary,
Washburn Elementary and Old Woodward Elementary. However, while only achieving a
seventh grade education, she was able to accomplish anything she sought out to do! Rosemary
is proof that success is achieved with passion, drive, commitment, determination and life
experiences.
Rosemary grew up in the West End where she met the love of her life, who she later married.
On February 6, 1953, she was joined in Holy Matrimony to Arthur (Sonny) Lee Jackson, Jr.
From this union, five children were born: Phyllis, Michael, Tennell and Robin. Her middle
daughter, Valerie preceded her in death.
When these two steadfast people united, they shared a mighty and powerful unconditional
love. This unstoppable magnetic force, paved the way for bigger and better things. Still residing
downtown, Rosemary began her training in 1953, attending Poro School of Hair and Beauty
Culture. Success was predestined in their future. Great things began to happen, ideas began to
form and dreams started to developed! They purchased their first business, a record shop, sold
dinners and Rosemary did hair in her kitchen. She also managed Cooperative Number 2 Beauty
Salon located on 15th and Central Avenues. They proved that hard work and perseverance
always made dreams become reality. By saving their funds, they purchased their own home,
located at 826 East Mitchell Avenue in Avondale. At this residence, she threw elaborate parties
for her birthday, holidays and her children, and opened it up to her clients, family, friends and
neighbors. Everybody knew Mrs. Jackson.
Shortly thereafter, they stepped out on another leap of Faith ? the purchasing their second
business, which was a beauty salon. She then became an entrepreneur and this is when Date
Maker?s Beauty Salon was born. This was a full service salon and provided day care for her
clients. Once Date Maker?s was formed, a Star began to shine. Rosemary threw herself into
high drive, concentrating on her family, her children and her business. She also devoted herself to volunteer work, volunteering at the Red Cross and teaching Home Economics Classes at
Woodward High School. She supplied the school with all the necessities needed for beauty care
and she also donated her services to the young ladies in the class. Her tender heart and love for
other people enabled her to fight the causes of Leukemia with numerous cash donations. This
presented the opportunity to appear on television. However, these things weren?t enough to
satisfy her thirst for more, more for her community, more for herself and more for her
children. She also was a member of Chamber of Commerce. This government program gave
opportunities to people to develop a career in hair, by offering a position in Rosemary?s salon.
This is when her daughter, Robin began to work with her. This threw her second dream into
effect. She started an annual trip to the Bronner Brothers Hair Show in Atlanta. This was a trip
required for her stylists and offered to all the clients of the shop. During a few of these trips,
she won door prizes, money and electronics. Knowing that Rosemary required the best of the
best, she required nothing but the best from her stylists in her salon as well. So, she provided
trips to different cities and places to get the top education and techniques in the hair industry.
This led her to accomplishing another dream by traveling to Detroit to learn weaving techniques
and becoming one of the 1st African American cosmetologists to bring weaving to
Cincinnati. Throughout all of these things, she remained close to her family and her mother,
which was her best friend, along with her daughters. Her mother always supported her in
everything she did, and was always around for the ride! She was even more excited when her
daughter, Phyllis and son, Michael became cosmetologists and worked right along with her.
This family business allowed her sisters-in-law, her children and daughter-in-law to always be
together and work hand in hand.
After the closing of Date Maker?s Beauty Salon on September 27, 2003, her children threw her
an elaborate Retirement Party. At this party, she was presented with a Proclamation Day by
Cincinnati?s City Hall. They proclaimed it “Rosemary Jackson?s Day” on December 20, 2003.
Words can?t express the true love of a mother, the strength of a mother, nor the lengths a
mother is willing to go. Rosemary exemplified the word mother, sister, aunt, daughter,
grandmother, friend and stylist. The list is endless. She was an Angel. She was sweet as gold.
She was a pillar of strength and since God gave you to us?we give our Angel back to God!
God is waiting with open arms and saying, “WELL DONE, MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL
SERVANT!” Momma you earned your wings.
She leaves her legacy and her footsteps to follow: daughters, Phyllis, Valerie (deceased) and
Robin; two sons, Michael Sr. and Tennell; one sister, Marjorie Allen; two brothers, James
Coleman, Jr. and Mac who preceded her in death; two sisters-n-law and two brothers-n-law;
one uncle, James Richards; eight grandchildren, Gregory, Crystal, Michael Jr. (Shannon),
Tanya, Sean, Eboni, Sonny, Brandy and Tyson; 12 great-grandchildren, one great-greatgrandchild,
two adopted daughters, one adopted son, two adopted grandchildren and 13
cousins; one second cousin, Leana Pearle; and a host of family and friends. She was a mother to
many.