Dancie Janet Jackson (Lansing)

Dancie Janet Jackson, a beloved matriarch, trailblazer, and pillar of her community, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the age of 90 years old. Born on Tuesday, October 2, 1934, in McKenzie, Tennessee, Dancie was the daughter of Edward Hart and Margaret Robinson Hart. She lived a remarkable life full of love, service, and achievements that inspired all who knew her. 

Dancie’s early years were spent in Lansing, Michigan, where she was educated in the Lansing Public Schools. She later moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she dedicated over 30 years of her career to AT&T before retiring and returning to Lansing.

Dancie’s passion for sports was unparalleled. She broke barriers as a basketball referee in Chicago Public League and was honored as the first Black woman to be inducted into the Chicago Public Basketball Coaches Association of Fame in 2011. Her dedication to the game extended beyond officiating—she was an avid NFL fan who attended the Su[er Bowl every year and some Pro Bowls, making it a cherished tradition in her life.

Dancie was not only beautiful but also sassy, with a vibrant personality and a go-getter attitude that inspired everyone around her. She was a social butterfly who loved to entertain while listening to jazz and her blues and bring joy to others. Her charisma and zest for life left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

A devoted Union Missionary Baptist Church member, Dancie served on the Health Ministry and the security team, embodying faith and service. She was also deeply involved in the Greater Lansing Nurses Outreach, bringing warmth and hospitality to countless individuals. Her compassionate spirit extended to her work with the Capitol Area Response Effort team, where she provided crisis intervention, safety planning, and resource support to families in need.

Dancie was also a proud collector of All God’s Children Dolls, a cherished collection she now passes down to her granddaughters. Her grandchildren were her greatest treasures, and she adored them with all her heart. She attended their games, weddings, and milestone events, ensuring they had the very best and always knew how deeply they were loved. Her grandchildren adored her in return, remembering her as an amazing grandmother who went above and beyond for them.

Dancie is survived by her six children who loved her dearly, Cherry Lynn (Bruce) James, Anthony Linn (Thelma) Jackson, Darcel Jackson, Victor (Alicia) Jackson, Kevin Jackson, and Maxi Jackson; sixteen grandchildren; many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, whom she lovingly considered her family.

Dancie was preceded in death by her son, Eugene Jackson; grandson, Deon Glass; parents, Edward Hart and Margaret Robinson Hart; and brother, James E. Hart.