Atlanta

Bunnie Jackson-Ransom, ex-wife of late Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson dead at 82

ATLANTA — Bunnie Jackson-Ransom, the former First Lady of Atlanta, has died at the age of 82.

Jackson-Ransom was the ex-wife of the City of Atlanta’s first Black mayor, Maynard Jackson.

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An influential businesswoman and community leader, Jackson-Ransom was a success on her own through her work with helping companies with their community relations through her company, First Class Public Relations.

After her marriage to Jackson ended, she helped turn Atlanta soul and funk bands into national acts.

She also spent years as one of Atlanta’s “Top 100 Women of Influence.”

Her family confirmed to Channel 2 that she passed away after an illness. They have not commented on her illness.

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Current Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens released a statement on Jackson-Ransom’s death, calling her “an incredible force of her own.”

“The City of Atlanta is sending prayers of comfort and peace to the family of Bunnie Jackson-Ransom. The former wife of Mayor Maynard Jackson was an incredible force of her own. She was a PR wiz and marketing pro, an educator and an author. But perhaps most importantly, she was a wife, mother and grandmother. I will forever remember our former First Lady for her lively spirit and the boundless energy she brought to all that she undertook. Bunnie loved this city and we loved her back. Our condolences to the Jackson and Ransom families during this time.”

—  Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens

Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond also expressed his condolences.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Bunnie Jackson-Ransom. My deepest condolences are extended to her family, friends, and colleagues. She was not only a successful businesswoman, the former first lady of the city of Atlanta, and community and social activist, but she was also a grandmother, mother, phenomenal woman, mentor, and friend. Bunnie possessed a warm heart, keen intellect, and a gracious, loving spirit. She was a leader in business, whether communications, the music industry, or politics. She was a trailblazer, in whatever venture in which she pursued. Intellectual, gracious, and everlastingly beautiful, I feel humbled to have benefited from having known her. Her physical presence may have passed, but the example of her life, beauty, intellect, and purpose remains an inspiration to us all. Good night, sweet princess, and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

—  Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond

Jackson-Ransom leaves behind four children, Elizabeth Jackson Hodges (Howie), Brooke Jackson Edmond (Roderick), Clark Maynard III (Wendy) and Rae Ransom Coleman (Kevin). She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Hayes, Brooke Lee, Cassie, Holman, Isabella, Luke, Joshua, Amber and Kevin.

Jackson-Ransom’s funeral will be Monday, Feb. 13 at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

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