UT Health Tyler Volunteer Celebrates 100th Birthday

TYLER — A big celebration is held at UT Health Tyler to honor volunteer Vennie Jackson as she celebrates her 100th birthday. Mayor Martin Heines has proclaimed September 11 Vennie Lee Jackson Day in Tyler. She also gets a certificate from Governor Greg Abbott and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol provided by Congressman Louie Gohmert. “Miss Vennie” continues to work the front desk after more than 30 years of helping out at the hospital. So what keeps her going? Ms. Jackson credits her belief in the Lord and her enjoyment of being involved with people. “Miss Vennie” says she doesn’t have the words to express how excited she is about all the attention — and she adds that she has no plans to quit.

Vennie Jackson is the second of 12 children and was born and raised in Bullard in 1918. She attended Butler College, then earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas College and a master’s degree in English from East Texas State University in Commerce. Vennie taught English at Whitehouse Independent School District for 36 years, first to high school students before integration and to middle school students after integration. She retired in 1987 and became a volunteer at ETMC in 1988. Vennie has been a member of the College Hill Baptist Church for more than 55 years.