Ellen Griffin Jackson | Eastern NC Now

    On July 30, 2026, Ellen Griffin Jackson, 89, of Hamilton NC passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.

    She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Herbert Nicholson "H.N." Jackson. She was the daughter of the late Simon Darrell Griffin and Millie Gautier Griffin and the caring younger sister of the late Joseph Darrell Griffin and his wife, Barbara Griffin, of Hampton, Virginia.

    Miss Ellen is survived by her son, Brent Jackson (Dorothy) of Oak City NC and her daughter, Pamela Jackson Denton (Brantley) of Wake Forest NC. She was blessed to have three grandchildren who adored her...Gracie Ellen Denton of Boone NC, Jackson Brantley Denton and Hayden Cooper Denton, both of Wake Forest. In addition, Miss Ellen was loved by many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind wonderful caregivers who cared for her relentlessly around the clock.

    Luke 1:45 tells us this..." Blessed is she who has believed the Lord would fulfill His promises to her." A simple, yet powerful verse that sets the stage of what was to come. On the 8th day of September 1936, the world was introduced to a brown eyed, red headed little girl... a blessing to her mother, her father, and her older brother. Named after her grandmother, Miss Ellen grew up in a loving and nurturing family in rural Beaufort County. At an early age, her parents instilled in her the importance of knowing God. And her entire life was founded on her strong and unwavering faith. Church was a natural routine...expected and longed for. She read the bible daily. And when her eyesight faded, she would listen to church services and her talking Bible. She was a testimony for its teachings. In fact, from the Bible, just like Sarah, Abraham's wife and mother to his children, Miss Ellen's abundant faith and trust in God's promises laid the foundation for the matriarch that she would become. This little girl, with humble beginnings, would change the lives of so many. Indeed, the Lord provided her with great things; and He kept His promises. Herbert Nicholson "H.N" Jackson would ask her for his hand in marriage. And she accepted. And on December 29, 1956, she would marry the man who she would raise a family with. Her first born, a boy who she named Brent Jackson, gave her even greater purpose. She would become more than a daughter, a sister, and a wife, but she would now be called a mother. And just two years later, the world was introduced to her second born, a bright-eyed little girl who she named Pamela Lou Jackson. And the matriarchal story begins. From a simple "I do," Miss Ellen created a legacy...she invited into her home her daughter-in- law, Dorothy Rogerson. Soon after, she welcomed her son-in-law, Brantley Denton, into her family. And she added the title, grandmother, when her three grandchildren...Gracie Ellen Denton named after her and twin boys...Jackson Brantley Denton and Hayden Cooper Denton were born. To them, she was called "NaNa." She was their everything. PaPa once made this infamous statement..." Ellen you'll let these grandchildren burn this house down and you'd give them the match to do it." And they were her everything. Their early days captured memories of life on the farm...the greenhouses...riding bikes...reading books. The holidays were special to her...Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter filled her house with the smell of a full traditional meal, with all the trimmings. Nothing was left unturned. She stayed busy... but she balanced her time. She was a successful businesswoman...in her early years, she was a beautician. But she was so much more. She honored the wishes of her mother by taking over operations of a little, yet well-known business...Artichoke Kitchen.... keeping her mother's prized secret recipes only to herself. Her jellies, jams, pickles, and preserves found their way to store shelves all across North Carolina, and households throughout the United States would enjoy her recipes with their own families. As a part of her business, Miss Ellen faithfully exhibited at the Christmas Carousel in Raleigh NC. Because of her steadfastness, she later would be recognized as the longest attending exhibitor, with her exhibit spot being retired once she made the decision to retire herself. She was a lady of patience...never raising her voice, always seeing the good in every person she would meet. Soft spoken was her natural demeanor. Her humble beginnings caused her to have great empathy for those who were in need. She often did without so that someone else could be blessed. She was a woman of great character. And lived her life biblically. She faithfully attended Hamilton Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and served on many committees. As her eyesight began to fade and she could no longer drive, one would find her riding her bike to church and to the local post office. She was determined. Her love for her "four legged" pets took a close second to the love she had for her family and friends. There was always enough to share. Her life was filled with joy. And the joy she received was given back to so many. Psalm 46:5 says, "God is within her, she will not fail; He will help her at the break of day." The Bible reminds us that being absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Miss Ellen's mission...her purpose has been fulfilled. Her life was filled with heartaches, struggles but most importantly, grace. And her time of rest has come; she has found her eternal peace... her healing. As the song tells us..." I can only imagine...." What a reunion. To God be the Glory for the great things He has done.

    Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Hamilton Baptist Church, Hamilton, NC with Rev, Brian Bush officiating. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery. Hayden Denton, Jackson Denton, Brian Thomas, Kent Manning, Richard Davis and Wayne Manning will serve as pallbearers.

    The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Jackson family.