Cora Melinda Jackson Clinton

Cora Melinda Jackson Clinton (a.k.a. Boute), age 79, unexpectedly passed away October 29, 2026, in her home in Fairburn, Georgia. She was born March 17, 1947, in Sawyerville, Alabama to parents Richard Jackson Sr. and Sallie Hedgeman (Jackson). While growing up in Mobile, Alabama, Cora’s mother passed away at the age of 39, when Cora was 15. This thrust Cora into a role of major responsibility over her siblings, as she was the eldest daughter.

Cora married her childhood boyfriend, William Clinton Jr., on May 16, 1967, in Mobile, AL. That union produced their only child, Anita Clinton, and only grandchild, Briyana Rutherford.

In 1970, Cora’s childhood best friend, Geraldine Crawford, moved to California with her husband. Inspired by their move and seeking a better life, Cora and her family followed them just a year later, where Cora would reside for nearly 40 years. Most of Cora’s life work was in the medical field. She started out as a Nurse’s Aide at the Cowell Medical Center at Stanford University and remained in the medical field for the rest of her career.

Cora later moved back to Alabama to be closer to her family and care for her aging father until his death in 2008. After her father’s death, Cora became the matriarch of the family. Soon after, she relocated to Georgia to be near her daughter, granddaughter, and sister.

Cora loved many and in turn was loved by many. Taking after her humorous father, she loved to laugh, tell jokes, and read comical anecdotes. She loved to travel and was a continual contributor to various charities. Most of all, she loved and cherished her only granddaughter, Briyana Rutherford, with all her heart. Though she endured life’s ups and downs, she kept her faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her only child, Anita Clinton of Austell, GA; only grandchild, Briyana Rutherford of Atlanta, GA; three younger sisters, Mary Jackson of Riverdale, GA; Flora Jackson of Mobile, AL, and Anita Jackson of Mobile, AL; and her youngest brother, Randy (Cabrina) McShan. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Cora Brooks; four brothers, Eddie B. Hedgeman Sr., Frank Hedgeman, Richard Jackson Jr., and Reginald Jackson; and her ex-husband, William Clinton Jr.

She will truly be missed by her family, friends, and neighbors. May her soul rest in eternal peace with our heavenly father.