Name: Visitation for Judith Cross Jackson
Start: 2019-10-21T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-10-21T16:45:00.000Z
Location: Mt. Calvary Baptist Church

Judith Cross Jackson

Judith Cross Jackson was born May 31, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois to William and Vera Cross. She received her early education in the Cook County School system; Shakespeare Elementary and later graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1959. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from The University of Tennessee.

Judy Jackson, or "Ms. J" as she was called by many whose lives she impacted, worked at the University of Tennessee as the Athletics Department's Assistant and Associate Director of Student Life. She also worked as the Associate Director of Student Athlete Welfare for the football team during her time on Rocky Top, 1992 to 2009. Prior to this position, she worked in the College of Education from 1978 to 1992.

After a staff vacancy, Phillip Fulmer received permission from the SEC to take Judy on the road to recruit young men for the University of Tennessee football team; a monumental moment for women working in football and sports in general.

As Director of Student Life and Director of Student Athlete Welfare, Judy became that incredible mother away from home for the hundreds of student-athletes she encountered. Judy received many accolades; the proudest she brags is being called "Mom" by those whose lives she impacted.

Judy wore many hats while employed at the University of Tennessee. She was an academic advisor, social counselor and voice of reason. She received personal gratification from them all! She was the first and only woman in the University of Tennessee history to receive an honorary letter in football.

In recognition of Judy's outstanding dedication and commitment to the program The Judy Jackson Athletic Scholarship Fund was established.

After leaving the university she joined Allegiant- Athletic- Agency (A3) In Knoxville, Tennessee as director of client development.

After retirement, Judy relocated to Ponte Vedra, Florida. On September 30, 2019, she entered eternal rest and went to be with the Lord.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, William and Vera Cross. She leaves to cherish her memories son, Roger Miles Jackson III (Tamatha), daughter, Mirhonda Mayo, (Mark), five grandchildren Jaylon Jackson, Mackenzie Mayo, Jackson Mayo, Chesney Jackson, Mylah Jackson, devoted sister Patrica Akin and nephew Mao Akin.

Monday, October 21, 2019, the family will receive friends from 12:oo p.m. to 12:45 p.m with a Celebration of Life service to follow at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 1807 Dandrige Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915. Reverend Renee Kessler officiating. Flowers may be delivered to the church the morning of the service.

Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Oct. 19 to Oct. 20, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Judith Jackson

Sponsored by Patton Funeral Home LLC - Cleveland.

5 Entries

MeLissa Williams

October 23, 2019

Wow, I am just now reading about Mrs. Jackson passing. She was such a blessing to me and God used her to open the doors to my first job at UT. She trained me and pushed me out the door. She saw the best in me and I am so grateful for the time she sowed in my life. May God comfort you in this time and may He give you peace that passes all understanding. Mrs. Jackson sowed so many seeds to so many people. I was an honor to know her and I will cherish the memories.

Continuous prayers to you.

October 20, 2019

Condolences to the family during this time of your loss

October 20, 2019

Sorry for your loss

Sam Hardy

October 9, 2019

My deepest condolences first & foremost to her family, children, & many, many friends & those student athletes who were fortunate to meet Miss 'J' & be touched by her awesome touch of being that 'Mother away from home' to them. I'd like to say that Miss Judy 'Momma 'J' was an INCREDIBLE woman!. She touched many of our lives during her tenure at UT. I came in as a Volunteer S & C Coach, in July 2002, under Johnny Long & Coach Fulmer. She welcomed me, w/ open arms, as if I'd been a Vol my entire time of my college career. I was a C-N Eagle though!. She took care of us as young men. She would tell us..."Baby!., is secondary. What U do in the classroom & w/ those books, will carry U through life much further." "Stay focused!." Enjoy Ur journey in Ur afterlife Miss 'J'. We're GONNA SEE U soon once again, just not yet, not yet. Love U!. Miss U!. Big Sam & his family.

Marie White

October 3, 2019

So sorry to learn of Judy's passing. She was a delightful lady. I remember her and fun times when she worked in the College of Education at UT. May she rest in peace.

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