Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Isabel Jackson Obituary
Isabel Brady Jackson was born on Oct. 7, 1932, in Spearfish, S.D. and died on Jan. 2, 2025, in St. Joseph. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 54 years, Gordon B. Jackson, and by her brother, David Brady.
She is survived by her brother, William Brady (Beverly); her five children: Walter Jackson (Martha Curtis), Bruce Jackson, Marian Jackson Barnes (Christopher), Margaret Jackson Clark (Steven Brown) and Glenn Jackson (Kimberly); grandchildren: Erin, Jason, Stephen, Elizabeth, Eliana, Ian, Andy and Kayla and several great-grandchildren: nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
The daughter of a preacher, Isabel and her two brothers grew up in various communities in Michigan. In 1954, Isabel graduated from Eastern Michigan University (then Michigan State Normal College) in Ypsilanti, Mich., with a degree in music education. In 1955, she married Gordon Jackson. For most of their marriage they lived in Port Jefferson, N.Y., where they raised their children. In 1990, they moved to St. Joseph where they made their home for the rest of their lives.
Isabel was an accomplished pianist, organist and poet, and supporter of the arts. In St. Joseph, she helped to found the ArtsBridge series, an effort to bring the community together through shared music and art, and was active in Writer's Groups at the Box Factory. Her church home was First Presbyterian Church of Benton Harbor, where she filled in at the organ and served in various ways.
Isabel's musical legacy includes her many piano students and the churches she served as organist. In addition, she gave her harpsichord to First Presbyterian Church of Benton Harbor and her grand piano to Festival Hall in Greensboro, Ga., where her daughter Margaret lives.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at First Presbyterian Church of Benton Harbor, 475 Green Ave. The family requests memorial gifts be made to First Presbyterian Church of Benton Harbor. Arrangements by Starks Family Funeral Homes (www.starksfamilyfh.com).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Isabel Jackson
3 Entries
Grant Smith
January 20, 2025
I met Isabel and Gordon at Eastern Michigan University in 1952, where we were preparing to teach music. Later I attended their wedding, and we continued our friendship through the years. They have been wonderful friends. I offer my deepest condolences to Isabel's family; and hopefully, have an opportunity to talk with them in the near future.
Grant Smith
January 12, 2025
Isabel and Gordon were among my closest college friends. We´ve remained in touch throughout the years. They´re greatly missed.
Julia Huster
January 8, 2025
What a beautiful lady! What a legacy!! I am so grateful to have met her at Andy and Laurel's wedding. It warms my heart to think of all the lives she touch through the gifts of music and poetry. With deepest sympathy, Julia Huster
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Isabel Jackson's name
Memorial Events
for Isabel Jackson
How to support Isabel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Isabel Jackson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
