Bernadette ‘Bernie’ Jackson, 63, of New Town, passed away on April 15, 2024.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Johnny Bird Memorial Building, New Town, ND.
Assiniboine wake services will begin at 1:00 PM on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Johnny Bird Memorial Building, New Town, ND.
Hidatsa wake services will begin at 5:00 PM on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Johnny Bird Memorial Building, New Town, ND.
Senior Pallbearer: Ardella Fox
Bernadette Lousie Church Jackson, Helps Her People Woman (Assiniboine)/Black Buffalo Woman (Hidatsa) passed away on April 15, 2024, in New Town, ND. She was a member of the Assiniboine Medicine Lodge Society. Bernadette was born in Watford City, ND to Robert and Jane Church. She was raised on the Fort Berthold Reservation, California and Indiana.
She attended school in New Town, Wahpeton and Flandreau. She obtained her GED and attended Spokane Falls Community College.
In 1986, she met the love of her life, Richard “Dude” Jackson at the Horseshow Bar in Oswego, MT. They were married in Sidney, MT on October 29, 1988. They lived in Sidney, MT; Glasgow, MT; Spokane, WA; Parshall, ND and New Town, ND.
While living in Wolf Point, she began her life’s work of helping women, children and elders of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. She was a fierce advocate for her clients and always demanded that they receive the justice they deserved. Her determination and business in seeking justice for her clients earned her the nickname of the Bulldog from the Rosevelt County Sheriff’s Department in Wolf Point, MT. She was a mentor to many. She went home to New Town to help her people and train at the program there. She decided to stay and was there for over 13 years. She battled for so many victims and showed them they had a voice and a right to be safe. Bernie and Dude were long time foster parents. She was always willing to help people no matter what. She never judged people or looked down upon them. Her compassion was next level, she always made sure everyone felt welcomed and never let anyone feel she was above them. Not only was advocacy her career but she also did this in her everyday life. Its truly the Strong Women she was.
Bernie and Dude loved to travel. They made their bi-annual trips to Vegas for NASCAR and the big Bingo. They loved golfing and going to rodeos. She loved camping and making camp with her family. Berns partner in crime KoKo, her best dog, is going to be lost without her. We are sure he will be looking for her at her two favorite spots: the Office and Family Dollar. Bernie was always ready for a good laugh and loved to joke around with everyone. Berns was a true Grams with her ziplocks and to go containers ready. She made sure we always were fed. She loved to have coffee, visit and smoke cigarettes. Bernadette was a prayerful woman and was there to support all.
She is survived by her husband: Judge Richard “Dude” Jackson, Sons: Ryan, Ayden, Patrick, Laramie, Charles and Forrest, Daughters: Trisha, Marsha, Jonnie, Sally, Maddyson Rose and numerous adopted daughters Her special Grandson: Reid Jackson Her mother: Jane Church and her sisters: Thresa Church and Mary Church Her Brothers: Robert Church Jr. and Kenneth Church. She is also survived by Larry and Edna Wetsit and numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
She is greeted in death by her daughters Genesse Jackson-LaRocque and Sarah Elizabeth Montclair, her father Robert “Bob” Church Sr., her other mother Nellie Silk, and her grandson Enright Beston
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