Mother Jo Ann Jackson

Jo Ann Jackson was born on June 10,1937 to the late Clarence and Eddie Lee Carter, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The family moved to Champaign-Urbana, Illinois where she graduated from Central High School. Jo Ann married the love of her life, Walter Jackson (deceased) in 1957. The couple was blessed with four children, Cheryl (deceased), Michelle Dean (Pastor Clifford Dean), Vincent, and Susan. Jo Ann was active in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employee Council 31, AFL-CIO. She retired with 42 years of service from the Records Department at the University of Illinois in 2004. The family was built on a Christian foundation. Jo Ann grew up at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, but later in life became a longtime member of Canaan Baptist Church, serving as a Greeter and Church Mother. Jo Ann Jackson loved Jesus and raised her children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Her favorite scripture – John 3:16. Jo Ann lived a life of love and sacrifice, exemplifying the attributes of justice and righteousness. In the 1960's Jo Ann Jackson and five other neighbors formed what became known as the Ellis Drive Six. They took a stand against inequalities, segregation, and discrimination in education. Their efforts and advocacy for children led to Urbana School District 116 becoming the first school district in the state of Illinois to institute a desegregation program. Jo Ann Jackson, a member of The Ellis Drive Six completed her assignment well. Their continued efforts and legacy have been chronicled at the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail (ccafricanamericanheritage.org). Jo Ann Jackson relocated to Texas in 2021. She worshipped with her Texas family at Christ Cathedral Church Fort Worth until her health declined. Bishop Sherman and CoPastor Otonya Allen along with the members welcomed her into the family. On Wednesday evening, September 3, 2025, Jo Ann Jackson answered the voice of the Lord calling her home. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Wayne and Chester, daughter Cheryl, and grandchildren Chemarco and Treshana. Those who now cherish her memory are daughters Michelle Dean (Pastor Clifford) and Susan; son Vincent; son-in-law Todd Rogers; adored niece Valinda Carter (James) and nephew Kaden; sister-in-laws Essie Carter, Bernice Carter, and Vicky Robinson; eight grandchildren, Latrece, Tawn Bacy (Anthony), Sierra, Jalen, Kevin (Tamika), Toi, Kimberly, and Patrice; six great-grandchildren, Maximus, Kevin Jr., Harper, Kennedy, Will, and Avi; dear friend Sandra Jackson and Selena Tyree; a host of other relatives and friends.