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Janice Jackson Obituary
Born on February 27, 1953, in Washington, D.C., Janice's passion for education shaped her life's work. She attended Notre Dame High School in Washington, D.C., before graduating from Bishop Hogan High School in Kansas City, Missouri. She earned a bachelor's degree from Marquette University, a master's degree from Xavier University, and a Doctor of Education (EdD) from Harvard University.
Janice began her career as an elementary school teacher before taking on leadership roles that reflected her deep commitment to educational equity. She served as the Director of the Office of Black Catholic Concerns for the Diocese of Milwaukee and later as Deputy Superintendent of Schools for the Boston School District. She also worked as a U.S. Deputy Assistant Director of Education and taught at Boston College and Harvard University.
Her dedication extended to roles as Executive Director of the Stanford Center on Equity Policy in Education and as a Senior Associate for the National Equity Project. As an education consultant, she influenced countless students and educators through mentorship and advocacy.
Janice enjoyed knitting and had a lifelong love for music, having sung in Sing Out Heart of America during high school. Raised and educated as a Roman Catholic, she carried her faith into her work and personal life.
She is survived by her brother Alfred (Tate) Jackson III and his wife Duniya Lancaster; sisters Lydia Jackson, Iris Jackson, and Karen Jackson Miller and her husband Lawrence Miller; niece Erin Jackson; nephews Elliott Miller and Gabriel Lancaster-Dixon; great-nephew Tyrand Jackson; uncles William and Michael Jackson; and many cherished cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Alfred Jackson Jr. and Sylvia Moore Jackson; her uncle William (Bobby) Moore Jr. and his wife Luz Moore; as well as her grandparents, great-aunts, and great-uncles.
A service to honor Janice's life will be held on March 24, 2025, at Stewart Funeral Home, 4001 Benning Road NE, Washington, D.C. A viewing will take place at 10 a.m., followed by services at 11 a.m. The interment will be at Lincoln Cemetery in Suitland, Maryland.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to organizations that support education.
Dr. Janice Ellen Jackson's bold spirit, unwavering dedication to education, and compassionate heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Diane Di Ianni
August 1, 2025
I had the honor and pleasure of working with Janice during her deputy superintendency in Boston. She was a powerhouse of intelligence, wisdom and kindness. I will cherish our friendship always.
Michelle Dean
July 26, 2025
Ms. Jackson was the best teacher I ever had. I reconnected with her after college in Boston and she became a mentor and friend. I will miss her.
Louise Young-Benson
July 21, 2025
Dr. Janice Jackson was such a strong force in my life. She mentored my work with my church parish council, she supported me throughout my educational career and advocated for my son at Harvard. Her unyielding friendship and ever present positive energy was a source of strength to the Milwaukee community and Catholic Church. Never one to shy away from a challenge, she spoke out and educated many on the value of the African American presence in the church and society. Her valuable contributions to the Black Catholic concerns office of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, her work in Milwaukee Public Schools, Marquette University and numerous other organizations throughout Wisconsin, was second to none. She is dearly missed by many. I particularly will miss her calls with the memorable greeting, "Hey Girl". Rest Well Dear Friend and I await our reunion on the other side.
Rose Pichon
July 17, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Janice, those Marquette University undergrad years, our apartment sharing, and treks throughout Milwaukee will always be etched in our hearts. Richard and I will love you and miss you always.
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Mary M Ring
July 2, 2025
A Celebration of Janices' Life will be held, August 3rd, 2025 at 11am Sunday Service. All Saints Church, 4051 N. 25th St, Milwaukee, WI
Dr. Janie Hill Hatton
April 10, 2025
I hold fond memories of the sagacious Dr, Jan Jackson when she served in the Office of the Superintendent - Milwaukee Public Schools. Her legacy of impeccable exemplary service, that radiant, distinctive smile linked a lovely disposition, She was forward thinking and pioneered equitable teaching and learning practices. May the wind propel her to serve in Heaven as The Father has prepared her room in His mansion.
Dr. Janie Hill Hatton
1st National Principal of the Year 1993
Retired Deputy Superintendent
Erin Jackson
March 27, 2025
My aunt was one of the best people in the world. She was understanding, thoughtful and insightful. Her family and friends meant the world to her and she meant the world to us. It´s going to be different without her random calls but I´m so happy I have a ton of voicemails to listen to her voice.
I miss you so much Aunt Janice and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to be your niece. Because of you I know that there are no limits to what I can achieve. Because of you nothing ever seemed impossible. I love you with all my heart always and forever. Ty just got a new angel.
George Russell
March 26, 2025
Rest in peace Janice. Thought and sympathies to the family. Public education has lost a wonderful warrior equity and excellence.
Muriel Jackson Leonard
March 25, 2025
My sister. My friend. My mentor. You will be missed. 'Walk Good' as you travel on.
Marcia Gale Riley
March 23, 2025
I knew Jan and Karen many years ago when we were in Sing Out Heart of America. We were very close friends during that time, and I loved her dearly. What an amazing contribution she made to Education. I will always cherish my memories of our time as friends.
Jim Allen
March 22, 2025
Photos weren't as abundant back in the day. I have many in my memory, but one to share as a photo. Sing Out Heart of America days in KC. She was already so amazing.
Deidre Farmbry
March 22, 2025
I am so saddened by the passing of one of my colleagues turned good friends! Dr. Janice Jackson was one of the most brilliant and humorous people I knew. She invited me to do equity consulting work in Albuquerque for about 4 years when she got a sizable contract. She travelled to Brazil with a group my husband and I arranged in 2014, and each Sept., we´d eat Dungeness garlic crabs in San Francisco. We worked hard and laughed hard, and I will truly miss her. Rest in heavenly peace, my friend.
Sonya Mehta
March 20, 2025
Janice was such an incredible mentor and support to me and so many others. We met for lunch every few months, and I loved hearing her stories, laughing together, and basking in her wisdom. Grateful to have known her. Sending love and light to her spirit and family.
Rebecca Lively Lewis
March 20, 2025
I am extending my deepest sympathy to all the family. Her love for education and her accomplishments will live on in her students and family.
Sara Gray
March 20, 2025
I worked with Janice Jackson at the National Equity Project about 10 years ago. She was a funny, thoughtful, and caring colleague. She really knew how to cut through the BS and get to the heart of the matter. I learned a lot from her. Sending love and peace to her family.
Martin Storksdieck
March 20, 2025
Janice was a wonderful, powerful and also kind force to reckon with: she will be badly missed! I had the fortune to serve with her for many years on the Board of Trustees for TERC and she was an incredible insightful and productive colleague.
Cheryl
March 20, 2025
I couldn't ask for a better friend
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