Karen Jackson

1961 - 2025

Karen Jackson

Born: March 28, 1961 | Died: October 23, 2025

Karen Claye "K. C." Willocks Jackson, age 64, of Maryville, Tennessee, died peacefully at her home on October 23, 2025, after a brief illness. A lifelong resident of Maryville, she was known for her warmth, creativity, and devotion to her family. Her deep Christian faith guided her throughout her life and was evident in the love and care she showed to others.

K. C. is survived by her lifelong companion and loving husband of 46 years, Ricky Jackson.

For 37 years, K. C. was employed at Blount Memorial Hospital, serving as executive assistant to the hospital's administrators until her retirement in 2018. Her loyalty and kindness made her a respected and beloved colleague.

Following her retirement, K. C. and Ricky traveled widely, taking memorable trips every year or two. The trips were often two-week river or ocean cruises throughout Europe and combined her love of history and photography. Upon returning home, K. C. spent countless hours creating detailed photo books that chronicled each trip, carefully organizing hundreds of photographs with captions and historical notes. These albums became treasured keepsakes for her family, reflecting her eye for detail and her appreciation for the stories behind every place she visited.

While K. C. loved exploring the world, nothing compared to the joy she found in her role as "Nana." She poured her heart into making things for her grandchildren, sewing custom dolls and wardrobes for them, crafting tiny clothes and play food for their toy kitchens, and embroidering outfits for Claire, Grant, and Arden. Every stitch and every detail carried her unmistakable love.

K. C. was also known for her homemade sourdough bread, made from the same starter she had carefully nurtured for more than 30 years. She often shared that starter with friends and family so they could begin their own traditions. For every holiday, birthday, and family gathering, and whenever her sons came home to visit, she baked and gifted loaves that were eagerly awaited and cherished.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Martha and Clay Willocks, and her sister, Pam Howard.

In addition to her husband, K. C. is survived by her sons, Brett (Emily) Jackson of Nashville, and their children, Claire and Grant; and Austin (Madison) Jackson of Birmingham, Alabama, and their daughter, Arden.

She is also survived by her sisters, Donna (Tom) Faulkner and Tanya (Buz) Copeland; her brother, Rusty Willocks, and his daughter, Emelie Grace; her niece, Amy (Adam) Habart, and their daughters, Lilly and Olivia; her mother-in-law, Dot Jackson; her sister-in-law, Beverly (Tom) Mandrell; and her niece, Jennifer (Steven) Whitehead, and their children, Jackson and Kendall.

The family will receive friends at Smith Funeral Home on Monday, October 27, from 5:00 to 6:30pm, followed by a memorial service at 6:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research. Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.