By Staff
Montgomery
Jackie Ferguson Mitchell, 58, of Montgomery died Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007, at her home surrounded by her beloved family. She was born on Oct. 20, 1949, in Birmingham. Surviving her are two children: Henry Mitchell of Montgomery, Alabama and Jason Mitchell (Lisa) of Prattville. She is survived by three grandchildren: Thomas Jason Mitchell, John Patrick Mitchell and Samantha Nicole Mitchell all of Prattville. Also surviving is her mother Beryl Ferguson and her sister Becky Gospodareck (Johnny) both of Gardendale.
Preceding her in death were her beloved son Cary Thomas Mitchell and father Jack Green Ferguson.
She was educated in the public schools of Birmingham and was a 1967 graduate of Banks High School. She attended both Auburn University and the University of West Florida. After receiving her bachelor of arts degree from Auburn University, she delayed her professional career to devote full time preparing her three sons for adulthood.
She was employed for many years with the Economic Development Institute at Auburn University and Auburn University at Montgomery. Her achievements in securing millions of dollars in federal grants for Alabama cities, counties and universities was recognized with numerous awards from economic development professionals throughout the state. In 1994 Alabama Gov. Jim Folsom appointed her chief of the planning and economic development division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. After her service in the governor's cabinet, she continued securing federal monies for various government entities and began representing business and educational interests before the Alabama Legislature.
The family received friends Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007, from 12:30 until 2 p.m. at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home Chapel in Montgomery. A service of celebration and remembrance of the life of Jackie Ferguson Mitchell was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007.
Burial followed at Alabama Heritage Cemetery. The family can be contacted at 2600 Vaughn Lakes Blvd, Apt. 528, Montgomery, AL 36117. Floral contributions will be accepted or memorials made to the charity of choice.