Atlanta reacts to former first lady Bunnie Jackson-Ransom’s passing
Bunnie Hayes Jackson-Ransom.
The wife of former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson, Jackson-Ransom was known for being a well-respected public relations specialist, entrepreneur and author.
By Allison Joyner
Atlanta residents are reacting to the passing of their former first lady Burnella “Bunnie” Jackson-Ransom, who passed away Thursday, Feb. 2, at age 82.
“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” Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta
Married to former Mayor Maynard Jackson, Jackson-Ransom became the first Black First Lady of the capital city in 1974. She also spent over 35 years as a public relations agent and handled several major corporate clients, including Waste Management, Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta Life Financial Group and Spelman College.
Atlanta City Council Releases Statement on the Passing of Former First Lady of the City of Atlanta Bunnie Jackson-Ransom pic.twitter.com/5Fju98Ytqc
— Atlanta City Council (@atlcouncil) February 2, 2023
Ransom Jackson was an accomplished author as well. She wrote two books: “Getting the Word Out: How to Market Your Ministry,” and “Memoirs of a Life Well Lived: The First “First Lady” from S.W.A.T.S.”
“Whether in public service or business, her grace and leadership left a lasting impact on not just those she encountered but the entirety of the Atlanta community,” said Brian Kemp, governor of Georgia.
Please read my statement on the passing of the former First Lady of Atlanta, Bunnie Jackson-Ransom. pic.twitter.com/Yfmbnwkp27
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) February 3, 2023
She also served as the 24th president of the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. “A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered,” the chapter said in a statement.
Our warmest thoughts and prayers go to the family of our beloved Executive Committee member Bunnie Jackson-Ransom. Our deepest condolences #NAACP 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Z5RSNBIP11
— NAACP ATLANTA (@NaacpAtlanta) February 2, 2023
No funeral arrangements have been announced at this time.
She was a teacher, a boss, a business woman, a mother-figure, a confidant, a mentor, a friend, a leader, a force! She led an amazing life and shared her knowledge and enthusiasm with the world. Bunnie hired me when I was 17 and gave me opportunities that lead me to a career I loved. She is the reason for so many of my lifelong friendships. I’m blessed to have been a protégé of this exceptional (First) Lady and honored to be mentioned in her Memoir. Rest in Heaven, Bunnie. I love you.Report
Your writing is really great. I’m so glad I read it. It kept me hooked the whole way through.Report
Bunnie’s public relations firm was named First Class – arguably because she was a First-Class person & professional!Report