Bear Creek in Irving in Dallas County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Jackie Mae Townsell

Photographed by QuesterMark, July 13, 2016

1. Jackie Mae Townsell Marker

Inscription. Jackie Mae Townsell has devoted her life to preserving the rich history of Bear Creek and providing a better way of life for the people who call this community home. Born April 7, 1936, Jackie Howard was 13 years old when her family moved from Dallas to a two-room house in Bear Creek. Her father, who was a major influence in her life, wanted a good place to raise his three daughters. Since then, Townsell has worked for all Irving residents to carry out her father's dream of a brighter future. She spearheaded efforts to annex Bear Creek into Iriving in 1969, thus providing much-needed city services to the rural neighborhood. Townsell was the first African-American elected to the Irving City Council, and served in this capacity from 1977 to 1995. Her leadership and peacemaking efforts, along with a deep love for people, helped bring harmony and reason to the city. Townsell's calling to help others is reflected in the countless hours given for the benefit of Irving residents. Her restaurant, Townsell's Grocery, became a popular gathering place for lunch and many neighborhood activities. Townsell has been recognized on state and national levels for her community spirit and hard work to keep the history of Bear Creek alive and the city of Irving prospering.

Erected 1995 by City of Irving and Irving Heritage Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce.

Location. 32° 49.058′ N, 97° 0.102′ W. Marker is in Irving, Texas, in Dallas County. It is in Bear Creek. It is on Jackson Street east of Gilbert Road, on the left when traveling east. Located on the grounds of the Jackie Mae Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal

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address: 3925 Jackson St, Irving TX 75061, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region

and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Bear Creek Community (here, next to this marker); Shelton’s Bear Creek Cemetery (approx. 0.8 miles away); Haley Memorial Cemetery (approx. one mile away); Sowers Community (approx. one mile away); Dr. Franklin Monroe Gilbert (approx. 1.1 miles away); Daniel Webster Gilbert, M.D. (approx. 1.1 miles away); Sowers Cemetery (approx. 1.1 miles away); Shady Grove Cemetery (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Irving.

Jackie Mae Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed by QuesterMark, July 13, 2016

2. Jackie Mae Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2016, by QuesterMark of Fort Worth, Texas. This page has been viewed 990 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 20, 2016, by QuesterMark of Fort Worth, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.