Thelma Elizabeth Collins Wright Jackson was born on July 20, 1925 in New Haven, Connecticut to the late Carlisle Collins and Viola Alzina Peters Collins.   During her early years, she resided in the Dixwell community.  As a youngster, Thelma attended Winchester School now known as Wexler-Grant Community School and Augusta Lewis Troup Middle School.  She participated in the “Follies’ Shows and enjoyed tap dancing.   Thelma or “Tee” as she is known to her friends, graduated from James Hillhouse High School in 1943.  She later attended South Central Community College where she received her Associates in Science Degree in 1977.  She made the Dean’s List and graduated with Honors.  
Thelma was married to the late William Leon Wright. Following his death, she later married the late LaMotte D. Jackson.
Thelma began employment at City Service Cleaners and after volunteering for the New Haven Public Schools in the library and cafeteria, she was hired as an Assistant Teacher. During the summer time, Mrs. Jackson worked for the Park and Recreational Department and organized the “Argyle Play Street” and supervised activities held at the former Ivy Street School.  She worked for 45 years as a para professional at several schools including Lincoln Bassett Community School, Jackie Robinson and Celentano School.  During Mrs. Jackson’s later years, she worked with the young adult Special Education Students in their Off Campus Classroom at Gateway Community College and work sites throughout New Haven.  She enjoyed working with NHPS and annually received letters of congratulations during her tenure for “Perfect Work Attendance”.  Thelma really loved her job, the children and was happy to go to work every day.  She retired in October 2015.
Mrs. Jackson attended St. Luke's Episcopal Church during her early years and later transferred to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church where she was a long and faithful member for 62 years and served the church in many capacities.  Thelma was Vice-President of the Women’s Guild, Member of Episcopal Church Women, Hospitality, Dinner Dance and Youth Committees.  She was a Sunday School Teacher and Acolyte Mother.  She was a steadfast and regular financial contributor sponsoring children for camp, youth activities and church building projects until the church closing in 2016.
Thelma Jackson was honored posthumously as a Legendary Woman at the 2018 Perfect Blend Awards Dinner for her longstanding commitment to children and her community.  
Thelma E. Collins Wright Jackson was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 6, 2018.  She leaves to mourn her children from her first union, William (Billy) Wright (Boston, MA) and Allyn R.Wright Fire Chief NHFD- Retired (Brenda) Fountain Hills, AZ., Kevin Jackson ( Fords, NJ) and Sondi  Jackson ( New Haven, CT.) and her brother, Milton “Uncle - Chip” Collins (Hamden, CT).  She is survived by her grand children, Latalia Graham, Kymari Graham, Allyn J. Wright, Kiesha Wright, DeLon Wright, Damien Wright (LaKeisha), Kia Levey Burden (David), great grand children Sheneita Graham, Mikyra Graham, Mariel Graham, Allyn Wright, Damien Allen, Danee Allen, Donte Carter, Seth Levey, Jackson Wright, Samaria Ashe, Adrianna Wright, Trenice Parkman, Dominique Wright and Randi Parkman and great-great grand children, Damira Davids and Michael Drunnamanio III along with great nieces, nephews and a host of surrogate children and friends.   She was predeceased by her husbands, the late William Leon Wright, LaMotte D. Jackson and her son Gavin Jackson.
A private service was held for the family under the direction of Celentano Funeral Home on October 12, 2018 .  A memorial service will be held on November 3, 2018 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 111 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, CT at 11 a.m.