Elaine Jackson

Elaine B. Jackson, 72, passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at local healthcare facility. Elaine entered this life on May 26, 1942, in Chattanooga to the proud parents of the late Charlie and Mildred Barker. She was the oldest of two siblings She was baptized at an early age at Saint Paul AME Church in Chattanooga, where she participated in several activities including the youth choir where her mother was the director. Elaine became the first African/American Female to open a women's boutique in Chattanooga's Hamilton Place Mall. Her LaMirage Boutique became one of the most popular places in the Mall. She had clients from all-over the Chattanooga area and the southeast. Elaine sponsored several fashion shows and other activities in Chattanooga, where she featured the latest fashion trends, while giving opportunities to all women, especially women of color. For her tireless efforts, Elaine was awarded the "Entrepreneur Award of the Year" by the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce. Elaine leaves behind to cherish her loving memories, her daughter, Tracy (Michael) Neely; her grandson, Connor Neely; her brother, Dr. Charles (Sheila) Barker, of Snellville, Ga.; two nephews, Charles E. Barker Jr., of Snellville, Ga.; Charlton (Deven) H. Barker, of Lilburn, Ga.; one great-nephew, Charlton H. Barker Jr.; numerous cousins; and a host of friends and associates. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2014, in the chapel. Interment: Highland Cemetery. The body will lie in state after noon today and the family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. this evening at John P. Franklin Funeral Home 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.