Mary Jane Best

Mary Jane Best was born on November 24, 1939  in Jersey City, New Jersey to the late Clifford Jackson, Sr. and Dorothy Laws Jackson. She was one of ten children blessed to this union. 

Mary Jane lovingly called "Janie" by her family and friends. Janie was educated in the Jersey City Public School System. she furthered her education and attended Katherine Gibbs School for secretarial administration. She worked in several jobs using the educational skills she obtained.

Janie obtained employment with the Public Service Electric & Gas Company as a Clerk Specialist for almost 35 years. Janie was a quiet woman but she made her presence known. She was always doing something to further her knowledge and helping others.

Mary Jane met the love of her life, Lorenze Best. They were indeed a perfect match for one another. On September 8, 1962 she happily said, "I Do". This union was a blissful love for36 years. This loving union birthed one son Kenneth Best.  

Mary Jane loved to laugh and smile and bring happiness to everyone around her. Reared in a religious household, Janie gave her life to the Lord. Janie was a lifetime member of Gospel Temple Church of God in Christ later renamed in honor of the founder and late Pastor, Porter Memorial Church of God in Christ. She served on many auxillaries in the church including the Mother's Board and the Usher's Board. She was a willing worker for the Lord. 

Janie was a member of the Elks she started as Progressive Juvenile class #369. In April 1960 She transferred to the Pride of Jersey Temple #98, Jersey City. As a member she served on various committees and various offices including Daughter ruler, Recording Secretary and Treasurer. She joined the Northern New Jersey Past Daughter Rulers Council #1 and has been involved in fund raising activities, served as Trustee, and Chairperson of the Nominating committee. 

Janie was a member of the New Jersey State Association Auxiliary and received her Past State President's Honors.  She was appointed to the Induction Committee. She served as the Induction Mistress. She was a member of the Spelling Bee Department, membership drive, and the Esteemed Financial Secretary of the New Jersey Past State President's Club. 

Janie is a member of the National Past Grand Daughter Rulers Council of the Grand Temple, and Financial Secretary of New Jersey Past Grand Daughter's Rulers' Circle. In October 1985 Mary Jane was appointed Grand District Deputy, having supervision over Northern New Jersey Council #1, Newark and Majestic Temple #215 in Hackensack, NJ. In November 1986 , three additional Temples were added. May Jane Best was the Chaplin for the New jersey Daughter Deputy's Club. Let say she left her mark in Elkdom for the State of New Jersey.

She was preceded by her parents, siblings nieces and nephews. 

Mary Jane Best will live the hearts and minds of those she loved, her son Kenneth Best, grandchildren Jamilia, Jelani, and Lorenzo Best "LJ", and a step-granddaughter Jazameeka Moreland. Her precious great-grands Layla Smith, Jasiah Best and Olivia Best. Loving sisters Ruth Carol Gaines, Adrena Jenkins, Sister-in-law of  Mary G. Jackson, Joseph McCullough and a whole host of nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews other loving relatives, Porter Memorial Church Family, Elks of New Jersey and special close sisters and brother in love Agnes Jeffries, Linda Davis and Leonard "Lenny" Wright. 

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