Ocie Jackson — the eldest son of Laura (Granny) Johnson was born during the late 1880’s, in or near Fayette County, Tennessee. Ocie was the offspring of Granny’s first marriage. Ocie’s father was a Jackson and was considerably older than Granny.

After Granny and Ocie’s father separated, Ocie lived with his father. It was not unusual for the father to take the male child to help around the farm after divorces during the late 1800’s. There was little contact between Ocie and his half sister and brothers during their early childhood’s. It was during his early adult life that Ocie and his extended family became better acquainted. 

Ocie later married Mora Jackson around the early 1900’s. It was customary for people to wed in their late teens or early twenties during those days. Ocie and Mora rented their home and farmed the land. They did not have any children of their own, but raised Mora’s two nephews, Henry and Arthur Samuels. During this era extended families were such as this one were common. 

Mora was known as a great cook and so it was common for all of the Johnson families to gather at Ocie’s home during holidays and special occasions.

In 1924, Granny moved to St. Louis, along with her sons John Henry and Elmer. After a devastating tornado hit St. Louis in 1927, Granny returned to Tennessee and moved in with Ocie and Mora.

During the early 1940’s Ocie lost his eyesight. He would usually get around with the aid of a cane, but he remained very independent–refusing to let his blindness become a handicap.

Ocie died in 1963 while visiting his brother Richard in Rosemark, Tennessee. He is buried in Robinson Cemetery in Mason.

“I remember when I was a little girl (during the late 1930’s – early 1940’s) we would visit Uncle Ocie and Aunt Mora. It was always tow days after Christmas. Aunt Mora would not cook the traditional Christmas foods, but would make everything homemade; biscuits, sausages, and even wine.” [niece -Earnestine Johnson James]