Vertell Jackson, better known as Lil’ Mama, sat in the middle of Russell House, posing for photos with a “Happy Birthday” tiara on her head.
“I thank God I’m 80 years old today,” she said.
Jackson accepted presents and flowers from students and Carolina Dining staff Friday at a surprise party complete with balloons, a cake and a rendention of “Happy Birthday.”
“I was off today, but they’re coming to see me,” Jackson said. “I didn’t know I was coming here today. … They’re sweet people who work for me.”
To the staff of Grand Market Place, it only made sense. Jackson has worked at Carolina Dining, she estimates, for 26 years.
“She is such a sweet person. You ask her to do anything, and she’ll go the extra mile. I can’t think of anyone better to work in Russell House for 20 years,” said Mildred Scott, who said she started working at USC two decades ago and has known Lil’ Mama since. “She deserves everything we did for her today.”
Jackson was originally off from work Friday, but other Russell House employees made sure they got to surprise her.
“I was bound and determined to bring her today,” said Tiffany Bell, operations director of Carolina Dining. “I didn’t want her to work, but I wanted her to be here so we could celebrate her.”
Carolina Dining employees took the occasion to remember their favorite memories about Lil’ Mama. They talked about how she would still do cartwheels in her 60s and how she shared so many stories that her friends had no need for a history book.
Carol West, manager of Central Market Place, held back tears as she talked about her relationship with Lil’ Mama.
“I got transferred up here in 2004, and it just amazed me, just the person she is,” West said.
And the Carolina Dining administration said Jackson is an asset in the workplace.
“She brings a lot of joy to everyone she talks to. Every day, she comes in she has a smile on her face,” Bell said. “If she’s not at work, people want to know why.”
As they talked about Jackson, they also said that she has been able to persevere through many hardships, including the death of one of her five children.
“Mama is an inspiration to everyone,” said Loretta Hamilton, who works in Russell House. “She makes you want to live. She’s an inspiration to everyone, young and old.”