Jean E. Jackson

A Celebration of Life for Jean Evelyn Jackson, 91, of Lawrence will be held from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 20, 2018, at Danforth Chapel on the University of Kansas Campus in Lawrence. A private family burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. Jean passed away Saturday, June 23, 2018. She was born October 19, 1926, in Tifton, Georgia, the daughter of Artie and Elva Willis. Jean attended Georgia State Woman’s College [now Valdosta State University] in Valdosta, Georgia, until she married Merle L. Jackson on May 5, 1946, in Nashville, Georgia. They moved to Lawrence, Kansas, after Merle was discharged from the army following WWII. He preceded her in death on July 2, 2002. She was a stay-at-home mother of five children until she transitioned into being a librarian for Independence, Inc. after her children were grown. Jean was a voracious reader, crossword puzzle enthusiast, and award-winning poet. Survivors include her children, Diane Palka (married to Gary), Overbrook; Wendy Rose (married to Robert), Lawrence; Merle Jackson, Jr. (Married to Donna), Grove, OK; Dale Jackson, Lawrence; and Tracy Westcott (married to Greg), Lawrence; 10 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Lawrence Humane Society sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.