Mary Lyman Jackson
Author, Musician, Advocate
Jim McTague, Editor, Barron’s (1999)
“Back to Work” by Jim McTague, Barron’s, February 1, 1999
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“… Jackson, a Savannah native who gave up promising careers both as a fashion model and a concert pianist … her case load is as intimidating as a vice cop’s …”
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Joseph D’Agostino, Human Events Weekly (2001)
“Exodus Youth Services” by Joseph D’Agostino, Human Events Weekly, March 19, 2001
“… Jackson has an artistic side, not lost even though she has had guns pointed at her several times, and other colorful experiences in the course of her ministry…”​
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Mark Zimmermann, Editor, The Catholic Standard (1997)
“Cloning: A view from the street” by Mark Zimmermann, Editor, The Catholic Standard, May 15, 1997
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“…her testimony [before the National Bioethics Advisory Commission] stands in stark contrast to that of some of the nation’s leading scientists … [they] might do well to someday walk and talk with the poorest people … Jackson knows this. Her words – and the example of her life – speak to the heart of the matter.”
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ABOUT MARY
Over the years when I did radio and television shows, folks from around the country called in, asking where they could purchase “The Book.” And that’s how Savannah Serenade, The Story of a Priest and a Pianist began.
Although I’ve written a few articles that were published and copyedited manuscripts for other authors, this is my first book.
Savannah Serenade is the story of a passionate love affair between a conservative, political Episcopal priest on his way to a Trappist monastery and a wild, Southern party girl who plays the piano and fun pranks.
48 years of
PROFESSIONAL MUSIC EXPERIENCE
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Discover what critics are saying about 'Love in Harmony' and explore the heartfelt reviews from readers.
A captivating and unique love story that resonates with the soul - The Literary Gazette
Explore the praise and reviews for Mary Lyman Jackson's musical compositions and performances.
Musical Reviews
Mary's music touches the heart and soul, creating an emotional connection with her audience - Music Today
Mary's voice and passion for music shine through in every composition, leaving a lasting impact on listeners - Harmony Magazine
Mary's music touches the heart and soul, creating an emotional connection with her audience - Music Today
Mary's voice and passion for music shine through in every composition, leaving a lasting impact on listeners - Harmony Magazine
In The Press:
Father Richard DeMolen, The Tahoe Daily Tribune (2008)
“Minister’s Forum: We’re members of God’s family” – by Richard DeMolen, The Tahoe Daily Tribune, Nevada, April 25, 2008
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“Mary Jackson’s life of extraordinary dedication to the poor reminds us that we, too, are called to put into practice what we hear in the Gospels … We must learn how to share our love and our gifts with the homeless, addicted and impoverished.”
www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/ministers-forum-were-members-of-gods-family
Mary Otto, Senior Staff Writer, The Washington Post (2000)
“The High Season For Volunteers, After The Holidays, Helping Hands Vanish” by Mary Otto, The Washington Post, November 22, 2000, Metro Section
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“…Mary Lyman Jackson, the Catholic lay worker who has brought her Exodus Youth Ministries program to the streets of Northeast Washington for the past 14 years … knows the importance of giving volunteers a rewarding, even joyful experience …”
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Bill Frist, United States Senator, August 22, 1997
“Senator serves as doctor to the poor” by Richard Powelson, The Washington Times, December 27, 1997
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“The Exodus medical van is an exceptional way to help the under-served in Washington, D.C., and I feel very fortunate to have been able to participate in this project … The Exodus van is an inspiration to the entire community. I am proud to have been a part of the Exodus team…”
Advocate Work
In late 1985, I co-founded Exodus Youth Services, Inc., a 501.C.3 nonprofit corporation, with my husband, Logan, in Washington, D.C. In the beginning of our mission, homeless veterans and runaway youth were our staff. When The Bingham Foundation provided our first substantial grant, we purchased a large recreational vehicle for our Streetside program. Office space was obtained, and professional staff were hired to deal with the growing population of several thousand needy people who came to us for help.
BOOK RELEASE:
Latest Book
Savannah Serenade:
A Unique Love Story
Savannah Serenade is the story of a passionate love affair between a conservative, political Episcopal priest on his way to a Trappist monastery and a wild, Southern party girl who plays the piano and fun pranks.
Right before my New York City debut, I met Logan Jackson. On our first date, he flew me to meet his family in Nashville, Tennessee, and, on our second date, he proposed after I popped out of a cake, conducting Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus with a Glee Club on kazoos.
Our Southern love story contains Gullah legends, histories of persecuted people, a herd of dead folks, an Exorcist, even demons in a haunted Rectory. Savannah Serenade is filled with sanctimonious churchgoers, a boatload of guns, great whiskey, Lowcountry soul food, a religious cult, and action-packed street drama in our Nation’s Capital.
Savannah Serenade
The Story of a Priest and a Pianist
By, Mary Lyman Jackson
Order Now
Gretchen R. Crowe, The Arlington Catholic Herald
“They called her ‘Sr. Mary’” – by Gretchen R. Crowe, The Arlington Catholic Herald, Virginia, May 6, 2009
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“It sounds like something you’d read in a novel: Concert pianist falls in love at first sight with Episcopalian priest who proposes on second date; couple marry, uproot and dedicate their lives to serving the poor in inner-city Washington, D.C. But this is no bestseller – at least not yet … Mary Lyman Jackson’s story is one of adventure, of hope and of love.”
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www.catholicherald.com/article/local/they-called-her-sr-mary
Rick Allen, Staff Writer, The Washington Post
“A Legacy That Will Live On, Minister Now Disabled By Fatal Disease Took Aid To The Streets” – by Rick Allen, The Washington Post, Metro, May 10, 1993
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“In 1985 the Rev. K. Logan Jackson and his wife shocked their Episcopal parish in Pewee Valley, Ky., when, with no plans, they announced they would leave in a week to devote their lives to helping children.”
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Leslie Milk and Marilyn Dickey, The Washingtonian Magazine
“Washingtonians of the Year 1989” by Leslie Milk and Marilyn Dickey, The Washingtonian Magazine, January 1990
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“Jackson deals with kids whose histories read like tabloid headlines … ‘We can’t do everything, but we’ll be back,’ he [Jackson] says. ‘We are on a vigil to meet those who come through the night.’”
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