Atlanta Mourns Passing of Former First Lady of the City of Atlanta Bunnie Jackson-Ransom

One of Atlanta’s most beloved figures has dies. Bunnie Jackson Ransom, first wife of famed Atlanta mayor Maynard Jackson dies on Friday, Jan. 27 surrounded by family and friends in Atlanta.

Bunnie Jackson Ransom was no ordinary girl. She was an adventurer, an explorer, and a dreamer. She had an insatiable appetite for life, and a wild spirit that could not be contained.

The world around her was calling to her, beckoning her to explore its depths and uncover its secrets. Bunnie had been born with a curiosity that could not be quenched, and she had already begun her journey the day she was born.

When Bunnie was young, she would spend hours at the library, poring over books, devouring stories and absorbing knowledge like a sponge. As she grew older, her wanderlust began to manifest itself in her actions. She would often disappear for days at a time, only to return with a new story to tell, and a new hunger to explore.

Bunnie was determined to take her curiosity to the next level. She wanted to explore the furthest corners of the world and discover the secrets no one else had seen. She was ready to embark on the journey of her lifetime.
Bunnie would eventually meet and marry, Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first Black mayor. Along the way, she made lifelong friends, and learned about cultures she had never encountered before.

Bunnie’s journey eventually came to an end, but her living was hardly in vain, and Bunnie became one of the most recognized and beloved women in Atlanta.

The Atlanta City Council issued the following statement on the passing of Bunnie Jackson-Ranson, Atlanta’s former first lady and wife of the late Mayor Maynard Jackson Jr.:

“It is with heavy hearts that we learn of the passing of Bunnie Jackson-Ransom. Our thoughts and prayers are with her entire family. Bunnie had a passion for helping others and was a blessing to this community. Her time as first lady of our city was spent with purpose and grace. She was also a business leader and a community and social activist. Our city will miss her compassion and kindness, but her legacy will always be remembered.”

Burnella “Bunnie” Jackson-Ransom founded First Class, Inc. public relations firm in 1975 and served as the president and CEO until she retired in 2020. Her clients included The King Center, Burger King and the Trumpet Awards. She’s also managed music acts like CAMEO and the S.O.S. Band. She also married Ray Ransom, the bass guitar player for BRICK, but the couple later divorced.