Chicago woman, 100, pleads for help removing tree in yard

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A woman who celebrated her 100th birthday this spring needs help. Mollie Jackson of Englewood has a massive tree in her yard, and like a lot of seniors in our area, she has no means to get rid of it.

Her granddaughter reached out to Eyewitness News on her behalf, hoping a city can find the heart to ease the suffering of a woman who has who spent her life caring for others.

"As many children as I have had, and all of them is taken care (of), (So you have done your part, right?) I did my share," said Jackson.

There's still a lot of fight left in Mollie Jackson, which is more than can be said for the oak out back that's about her age, but in worse health- split during summer storms, and now pinning a car to a yard.

"How good has the city of Chicago been to you in your life?" asked ABC7's Ravi Baichwal.

"Really good, because I am still alive," said Jackson.

She suffered a stroke this summer but her sparkle remains. She was lauded by politicians and her favorite baseball team when she became a centenarian on April 4, the day of the Cubs' home opener.

One has made it her mission to get the tree removed and help a woman whose 1929 Great Migration journey from Georgia to Chicago spawned a family of hundreds, including at least four great-great grandchildren.

"She gave a lot to society. Can society come back and help my grandmother?" said Payne.

The city won't remove the tree because it sits on private property. Utility companies removed their entangled wires and declined to take it out, as well.

"I'm relying on the people of Chicago," said Payne. "That have a heart will consider as looking at this lady that's 100 years old and say, I'm going to help you because I wish I could live to be 100 years old."

"If I could have something, I would be glad to get it," said Jackson.

That family has received quotes of $3,000 to $4,000 to remove the tree. They say that anyone who helps them can keep all the wood.