Martha Edith Jackson-Hanjra

Casting Call for an Angel to Heaven

Martha Edith Jackson-Hanjra, born May 4, 1952, daughter of the late Alfreda Jackson in New York City, Martha also known as “Edi” was chosen for her “Grand finale” on July 31, 2021, in New Haven, CT.

Edi was a resolute member of the New Haven Panthers serving in the Sylvan Ave & Ward Street area working with families especially children making sure they received meals like breakfast and lunch during the tough times when families really struggled to find jobs and other means to provide for their families. During the May 1, 1970, Protests on the New Haven Green the Police drag and carry New Haven Panther Edith Jackson, 18, off to courthouse after charging her with breach of peace and abusing a police officer during a rally supporting a Panther defendant.

Edith Jackson was a member of the New Haven’s Alliance Theatre for 30 years. She as an outstanding actor, director, and producer of numerous plays for the company especially...

The Amen Corner

A Raisin in the Sun

The Member of the Wedding

Dark of the Moon & as Olga in “You Can’t Take It With You”

Beloved “Birthday Lady” with the Alliance Theatre’s Children’s Productions as a Producer, actor, director of the theater’s acclaimed “Mothercare Project.”     Edith was a member of Makila.

Edi, survived by her biological brother Rollin Eugene Jackson, she was raised by the late Vivian Cox and lived amongst loving family & Friends,  sister - Shirley Cheek, her beloved niece & caretaker Nazareth Vyraven (Ken), nieces Vivian, Sherry (Rob) - nephews Cantrell (Carmen) & Che (Montaya), and host of great nieces and nephews, the Children’s Alliance Theatre, Carol Penney, The O’Conner’s, Co-Workers/staff from New Haven Academy NHPS, her friends Ann Boyd, Kay, Suzanne, Karlene, Allison, Flo, Dep, Taft & so many more. Pre-deceased by Carolyn, Orrin.

The Family would like to thank the Staff at Grimes Center in New Haven for the years of outstanding service in rehab, Special thanks to Heidi Nolan, PA & Suzanne Rossotto, Social Work, Dr. Imane El Dika, of Sloan Kettering, Oncologist. & Hospice of Branford, CT.

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