Services Scheduled Today For Mrs. Liza M. Jackson

Funeral services for Mrs. Liza M. Jackson, 83, charter member of a quickly vanishing corps of modern Fort Walton Beach pioneers, are set for 3 p.m. today from St. Simons Episcopal Church.

Mrs. Jackson, who died shortly after six p.m. Saturday, first visited what is now Fort Walton Beach in 1915 as a weekend and summer guest of the Gerlach and Staff families.

A resident here since 1932, Mrs. Jackson has figured in every facet of the community's growth. She was a prime mover in the area's economic, cultural, civic and political advancement.

Her influence on South Okaloosa County economics dates back tot he 1922 acquisition by her first husband, the late W.B. Harbeson, of the Harbeson-Miramar Hotel. She watched over the remodeling of this structure, which oldtimers recall was "from the ground up," later serving as manager.

In addition to her many other financial interests and enterprises, Mrs. Jackson was one of the founders and first directors of the Fort Walton Bank. During World War II, which gave Fort Walton Beach its initial leap into the status of a city, Mrs. Jackson developed the Miramar Housing project for use by military personnel.

But, business was but one side of this busy women's interests. She assisted in the organization and financing of the first public health building here. She was instrumental in the organization of the Fort Walton Women's Club in 1921, and 17 years later served as its president.

Politics was close to this busy woman's heart, and long before Women's Lib became popular catch phrase she was a driving force in what many yet believe to be a man's world. Mrs. Jackson played no mean role in the successful drive to incorporate the Town of Fort Walton Beach, and served on the town council until 1947, when she resigned due to failing health.

Health problems plagued this active woman from her birth 83 years ago in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The first year was touch and go for the tiny daughter of Martin C. Edwins, South Carolina planter and his wife.

Early in life she started a program of education which touched on many subjects. At 16 years of age she was graduated from high school, and from there a brief stint in college followed by a short lived teaching career. Next, training at a secretarial school, followed by a tour as secretary to the headmaster of the school.

Later in life she sharpened her talents in such diverse fields as cooking and voice training.

An avid organizer, she involved herself in civic groups wherever she lived. Business and politics, however, remained her first love.

Longtime close associates remember that her sometimes blunt and generally forceful approach to every task was unfailingly tempered with compassion, and that her quick wit provided her with easy communications with all.

Many, however, will long recall this pioneer spirit in the words of a rather casual acquaintance, "She was a sweet little lady."

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Barbara Strother, of Fort Walton Beach; three grandchildren, William B. Harbeson III and Mrs. Elizabeth Bauman, both of Fort Walton Beach, and Mrs. Jo Ann Winquist of Topeka, Kansas.

Mrs. Jackson is also survived by six sisters.

Funeral services are scheduled to be conducted by Rev. Edward H. Harrison and burial at Beal Memorial Cemetery.

Present members of the city council will serve as pall bearers.

McLaughlin Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Playground Daily News - March 1, 1971 page 1