Ms. Kathryn B. Jackson

Kathryn B. Jackson was born on February 22, 1935 to Jesse and Pearl Jackson in Cleveland, Ohio, the sixth of nine children. She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of East Mt. Zion Baptist Church. She attended Cleveland public schools and graduated from John Hay High School. Kathryn’s employment was with the federal government. In Cleveland, she worked at the Internal Revenue Service, then with the Navy Finance Center. Years later, she transferred to San Diego, California to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. Upon her return to Cleveland, she embarked on a path of public service. She spent many years between 1996 and 2013 serving as a board member for several organizations. She was on the board of the Cleveland Housing Network from 1996-2012. She was a board member of the Cleveland Empowerment Zone Advisory Committee and the Habitat for Humanity. She received accolades, plaques, and certificates in appreciation of her commitment, service, and dedication to the community. On January 14, 1997, she was presented with the Community Service Award by Ward 6 Councilwoman Patricia Britt. She was the street club president of 86th Street in the early 2000s where she was known to whip people into shape. Kathryn worked tirelessly for the citizens of the Fairfax District. In 2006, she was one of two partners recognized by the Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation. She participated in community festivals and back-to-school events that gave away school supplies to children. She would go to Dan Dee Co. (Dan Dee chips were her favorite snack) and Dave’s Supermarket to get boxes of potato chips and snacks to pass out at events. She was able to get shirts from the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Browns to pass out to kids. She truly cared about her community and was committed to making it a better place to live and work. Kathryn was the go-to person if you needed help or assistance with anything. Whatever you needed, she was there. She was willing to lend a hand to get things done. She loved kids and often rewarded them with $10 for good report cards, always encouraging them to do their best. Kathryn was an ardent sports fan. She enjoyed and watched all sports, but she especially loved football. Her favorite team was the Pittsburgh Steelers and she loved wearing the Steelers’ colors. One of her prized possessions was a Steelers blanket given to her by her sister, Gerri. Kathryn loved gardening, taking care of her property, and helping neighbors care for their lawns. Kathryn departed this world on Friday, September 29, 2017 at Fairfax Place Nursing Facility. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, brother, Jesse Jackson Jr., and sister, Jean Butler. She is survived by her daughter, Marsha Jackson, sisters Shirley Coley, Frances Jackson, Gerri McSwain, Merle Jackson, brother, Ralph Jackson, and many nieces and nephews. Gone, but not forgotten, forever in our hearts.

Ms. Kathryn B. Jackson

February 22, 1935 - September 29, 2017