Edna Marie Jackson

1935 - 2016

Edna Marie Jackson 1935—2016
Edna Marie Jackson departed this earthly life Monday, September 12, 2016, after a series of illnesses. She was born in Chicago, Illinois to William P. and Edna M. Counts. She attended Englewood High School, graduated with honors. She entered and graduated from Wilson College now known as Kennedy-King College. Edna married her college sweetheart Herbert Jackson on August 16, 1958. Eventually she moved to Rockford where her husband established his podiatrist practice. At the time, they had a 3 year old son Christopher 'Chris' Jackson. Soon after relocating to Rockford, daughter, Kelli Lynn Jackson was born and made the Jackson's a family of four. While Chris and Kelli were enrolled in Rockford schools, Edna volunteered as a teacher assistant in the pre-kindergarten Head Start Program. She was a long-time member of The Taus, Inc. whose membership is comprised of African-American women who raise money for scholarships and engage in service projects that help make Rockford a better place. She was also a former member of the National Council of Negro Women – Rockford section and the Rockford Arts Council. Edna leaves to cherish her memory husband Dr. Herbert Jackson, son Chis Jackson, daughter Kelli Lynn Jackson, family relatives in other cities, long-time dearest friends Glendia Dean and Leslie Jackson, and a host of additional treasured friends. The family is deeply thankful for the prayers and comfort received from Pastor Montel Putney (Christ the Carpenter Church) during Edna's illness and her time of transition. Edna was preceded in death by her parents William and Edna Counts, brother, William P. Counts (California), brother, Benjamin J. Counts (California), many aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews, and long-time dearest friend Dr. Constance Goode.
Service will be held Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 1703 S Central, at 12 noon. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., with Dr. Kenneth Board officiating. Burial will take place at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Edna, the family requests that donations be sent to The Taus Scholarship Endowment Fund, c/o The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, 946 North 2nd Street, Rockford, IL 61107 OR to The American Heart Association of Northern Illinois, 210 W. Chapel Street, Rockton, IL 61072. On the memo line of check please write: 'In memory of Edna Jackson'. Arrangements are entrusted to Collins & Stone Funeral Home, 128 S Fifth Street.