Luna Elizabeth Folsom

Luna Elizabeth Jackson Walker Folsom, age 90, longtime resident of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was welcomed into the arms of her loving Savior on Monday, July 1, 2024. 

Elizabeth “Liz” was born in New Site, Alabama to Carl and Pearl Jackson. She grew up in a loving Christian home where she worked the farm with her seven brothers and sisters and learned to sing by attending Sacred Harp singing schools. She graduated from New Site High School in 1951 and received a music scholarship to attend Perkinston Junior College. After graduating from Perk, she met her late husband, Jack Walker in Lumberton and they married on December 20, 1953. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1955. After starting their family with lots of kids, Liz and Jack lived in Lumberton, Clarksdale, and Jackson before settling in Ocean Springs, MS in 1974. 

Liz was a business educator for 19 years at Ocean Springs High School and was an active member at First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs for 49 years. She loved singing in the choir and attending Sunday School and was a part of the Home Bound Ministry. That is where she met her second husband, Charles Folsom. After retiring from teaching, she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, going to the National Quartet Convention and playing word games on her computer. No birthday would be complete for any family child or grandchild without her singing her special rendition of “Happy Birthday.” One quote that will last forever from Liz is: “Music is the echo of God’s heart.” She lived her last 5 years as a resident at The Lighthouse Assisted Living Home in Ocean Springs where she had many wonderful friends and caregivers. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Pearl Jackson; her first husband, Jack Walker; second husband, Charles Folsom; siblings, Hilda Morrison, Robert Jackson, Melba Boyd, Winford Jackson, Harwood Jackson, and JoAnn Jackson. 

She is survived by her six children, Jackie Mullins (Rick), William Walker (Brenda), Thomas Walker, (Helen) Amy Plunkett (late Robert), Cathy VanDeMark (Brian) and Michael Walker (Sharon). She is also survived by 16 grandchildren (plus 8 spouses) and 8 great grandchildren. 

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 3rd from 1 pm to 2 pm in the sanctuary of The First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs, 602 Washington Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS. 39564. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. A private graveside service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, our mother requested donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children. 

The family would like to give a special thanks to The Lighthouse Assisted Living, USA Health University Hospital (8th floor staff), and The Retreat Hospice at Saad in Mobile, who were a blessing to our family and lovingly cared for our mother in her last days here on earth. Liz is rejoicing right now as she spends eternity in Heaven with her Lord and Savior. She is now singing gospel hymns and dancing with new feet. Liz had gift of service that will also never be forgotten as she served her family, her friends, her school and her church. Liz’s legacy on this earth was the kindness she showed to her family, friends and anyone who met her. 

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Luna “Elizabeth” Folsom.