IN MEMORIAM

 

Author Alan Paton’s prayer “May I this day do some work of peace for Thee,” was the essence of how Jean Ann Edwards Jackson endeavored to live. At age 86, Jean died of Alzheimer’s on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at The Pines at Davidson.

Born in Washington, DC on October 18, 1933 to the late Philip Corin and Virginia Fleming, Jean graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University as an English major and member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

As the daughter and granddaughter of Methodist ministers, faith and family were at the center of Jean’s life and heart. Her commitment to the service to Jesus Christ started at an early age by word and by example. Her deep love of the Lord was evident in her relationships at Davidson College Presbyterian Church – teaching Sunday School, as Elder, Deacon, Stephen Minister and Congregational Care Committee member. As a devout woman of prayer, Jean was an active participant in the Intercessory Prayer ministry meeting weekly in Lingle Chapel.

The wife of the late Dr. Bruce Jackson of the Davidson College Math Department, Jean was devoted to the college and community and known for her hospitality and friendship. Regularly hosting students and welcoming new faculty in their home, baking cakes for the annual Cake Race, planning graduation receptions, attending basketball games, and more recently enjoying plays at the Barber Theater all contributed to a full and active life.

Following Bruce’s death in 2001, Jean poured herself into the Davidson community. She established a bereavement support group for widows, hosting events and supporting others who had lost a loved one.  In 2010 she was recognized with the 2010 Outstanding Older Adult Award by Davidson College Presbyterian Church and the Presbytery of Charlotte.  In 2012, she received the Town of Davidson Jack Burney Community Service Award. She joined the board of Davidson Lifeline, supporting suicide prevention and mental health awareness in the community. In 2019, Jean was awarded the Honorary Lifetime Membership in the Women of Presbytery for her service and dedication.

Jean’s love of her daughters and their families was paramount in her life.

Cherishing the memories of a life well lived and knowing there will be a reunion in heaven are Jean’s daughters and their families: Julie Kerr (Randy) and Broocks Foster (Scott) and her four grandchildren that she loved so deeply: Zachary, Timmy, Taylor and Baytop.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at a future date at Davidson College Presbyterian Church when all friends and family can join. Memorial gifts may be made to the Stephen Ministry program at Davidson College Presbyterian Church, PO Box 337, Davidson, NC 28036 or to The R. Bruce Jackson, Jr. Mathematics Award, Davidson College, PO Box 7174, Davidson, NC 28036.