Elisabeth Jackson Chism

Born January 21, 1949, in Wiesbaden, Germany to her parents, Thomas and Inga Jackson. Elisabeth loved the country of her birth. She stated how beautiful it was with all its flowers and water gardens. Her favorite flowers were Blue Iris's.

Elisabeth is survived by her two younger brothers, Tom (wife-Karen) Jackson and David (wife-Karen) Jackson, along with their children (her numerous nieces and nephews).

Elisabeth met her soul mate and husband, Bill Chism, while working at JC Penneys. She worked alongside Bill's sister, Linda Mercer (husband-Barry). Bill was able to convince Elisabeth to dance with him when they met again at a local bar. Linda found out that Elisabeth was an excellent seamstress and asked her to help with her upcoming wedding. Bill liked that as he was able to spend more time with Elisabeth working as the errand boy. Bill had been quite a ladies' man at the time he met Elisabeth. On the day he proposed to Elisabeth, she put her foot down and told him to tell those other women that he was no longer available! Bill had bought Elisabeth a horse before they were married. He told Elisabeth that she could ride on the back of the horse after their wedding ceremony. Again, Elisabeth put her foot down and said, "Not in my wedding dress"! Bill had Elisabeth's family convinced that he would show up at their wedding wearing his spurs while riding his horse. Elisabeth's Mom waited outside of the church just to see if he would show up on horseback. Bill ended up making it late to his own wedding because he could not get the Cumber-bun to work. While speeding in his car, Bill was pulled over by a police officer. Lucky for Bill, he not only got help with his attire, but he also got a police escort to his own wedding. Not only were the lights on, but also were his spurs.

After a year of marriage, Bill and Elisabeth started a family of their own. First born was Craig (wife-Linda), then their favorite daughter, Colleen (Karen and Debbie), and finally the baby, Carl (wife-Neridia).

Elisabeth was way more than your typical stay at home Mom. She worked from home as an avid seamstress and wedding planner. She made many wedding dresses, Mardi Gras dresses, dresses for graduations, Quinceanera's and may other occasions. She and her Mom (Inga) both took floral classes to become licensed florists. Elisabeth also became a licensed Pilot. She even flew the families Piper Cherokee Cub airplane. Elisabeth's accomplishments continued with her being "self" taught to play the piano and guitar. She demonstrated her artistry in her ceramics, wood cutting, glass etching and making other crafts using lacquer on wood (such as gun stocks).

Elisabeth was so successful with her crafts that she was able to provide stock to 5 different craft stores for them to sell her homemade products. Elisabeth's craft sales were so profitable that the money made from her sales helped the family to afford traveling summer vacations in their RV. Vacations took the family all the way from Texas up to Canada. Funny thing was when they got to Canada, it was closed. Yes, the family adventure was off the beaten trail and at the border of Canada, they found a small gate guard shack with No one there. The family turned around and ended up exploring Yellowstone. Elisabeth, being a true "German Explorer", believed in sharing her discoveries and experiences with her children, no matter where the adventure took them.

Anyone who knew Elisabeth also knew of her skills in the kitchen as an avid Baker. Bill said he thinks he gained 30 pounds the first month they were married because of her skills as a Baker. A lot of Elisabeth's friends and family members have looked forward to her T-rings and Snickerdoodles.

Elisabeth's love for her family also included a love for many different types of pets (Ferrets, Birds, Dogs, etc.). Her children had to be cautious when hugging her as they may accidentally squish a baby rabbit hidden under her robe or shirt that she was bottle feeding.

The Chism children tested their parent's wits and patience all throughout their childhood. Ask any of them and you will get a wonderful childhood memory that tested their parents to No end. The best reward the Chism children gave their parents were their 10 Grandchildren: Miranda White, Dakota (Taegan) Chism, Demetree (Jean) Bailey, Dominic Bailey, Winter (Kenny) Chism, Tionne (Lucky) Massey, Caleb (wife-Summer) Chism, Kyra (Ben) Massey, Marissa (Ronnie) Chism and Micaela (Jose) Chism.

From these Grandchildren, Elisabeth and Bill were even more blessed with 19 Great Grandchildren. The Great Grandchildren are: Maverick, Waylon, Rylee, Presley, Alana, Amaiya, Arianna, Reina, Andre, Demaree, Rory, Acelynn, Bryson, Brandon, Bryan, Ryder, Messiah, Aamari and Aleeya. Elisabeth made sure to handmake Birthday cards for each and every one of them (her entire family and many of her friends). Her Crafting skills were a part of her all throughout her entire life.

Elisabeth's family extended far beyond those of her immediate family member. She was a "Bonus Mother" figure to many close friends and their family members. She was not just "Mom" but also "Grandma" to many, many people. She even considered those that cared for her (Doctors, Nurses and Caretakers) as "Her" family members.

The family would like to extend an invitation for Elisabeth's family and friends to sign the online guestbook and leave a note or funny story for all to share.

Celebration of Life will be held at the families river house on August 3rd, 2024 starting at 3pm. All are welcome to attend.