Donna Jean (Soper) Jackson

Donna Jean Jackson, 88, of Centralia left to meet Jesus Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at her home. She was born on May 7, 1933 the daughter of Don and Pauline (Green) Soper in Odin. She married Kenneth Jackson Sr. on June 17, 1950 in Salem.

Survivors include her daughter, Gayla Little and husband Michael of Michigan City, IN; 6 grandchildren, Cori Storm, Beth Ann Sharp, Rick Jackson (Pam Gosdin), Tiffany Jackson Miner and husband Ryan, Kathy Liberty, John Little, and Sara Little; 7 great-grandchildren, Caleb, Logan, Hannah, Hailey, Kimber, and R.J., and Kati; and brother, Jim Soper of Odin. 

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth Jackson; twin brother, Harold Lee Soper; her beloved son, Ken Jackson Jr., and her grandson, Keith Jackson. 

Donna was a 1968 graduate of Rend Lake College’s Nursing Program. Her family was proud of this accomplishment, as it made her the first to graduate college in her family. Donna had a gift for taking care of people and was a kind and compassionate nurse. She was an employee of Warren G. Murray Center and later worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia until her retirement. Donna was a member of Calumet Street Christian Church where she made lasting friendships in her Sunday school class, appreciating her church family. Donna and her husband, Kenneth genuinely enjoyed retirement in Okeechobee, Florida where they felt at home in the community and liked to fish the canal. Donna had a love for old dolls and teddy bears, thanks to her husband’s love of auctions and extended family adding gifts to her collection. She will be remembered for the way she took care of her home and her family. Donna was a wonderful Granny to her grandchildren and will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Donna Jackson with arrangements. A private celebration of life service will be held at a future date. Memorials may be made in Donna’s honor to the Calumet Street Christian Church and will be accepted for the family at the funeral home. Online condolences and memories of Donna may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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