Five generations of her family celebrate Leona Jackson's 100th birthday

Middletown — On Nov. 12, more than 150 family and friends gathered together at the Holiday Inn in Middletown to celebrate the 100th birthday of Leona Jackson of Warwick. There were five generations of her family in attendance. In addition, Leona received congratulations from dignitaries and celebrities, including President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, former President Jimmy Carter, Dr. Phil, Morgan Freeman, Judge Judy, Jay Leno, Alex Trebek, Vanna White and Pat Sajak, Tony Bennett, Gov. Cuomo, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Mayor Michael Newhard of Warwick. On her actual birthday - Nov. 19 - the singer Lionel Richie made a surprise phone call to personally wished Leona a “Happy Birthday. Leona has dedicated her life to helping others, especially children. She was named New York State Foster Mother of the Year, received an Outstanding Women of the Community Award and in the 1980’s, was nominated by Channel 13 as one of the Outstanding Women in the United States for her work with children. She is the Mother of Union AME Church and continues to help others.