Josephine "Jo" Ann Jackson

Josephine “Jo” Ann Arnold Jackson, born October 31, 1948, died November 6, 2022 after a long courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She was born in Atlanta, Georgia to Marcia Neilon Arnold and Frank Hatcher Arnold Sr.  She was the 5th of 7 children.  She is survived by sisters Theresia Arnold, Julia Yoki, Christina McCormick and Wanda Arnold, brother Tom Arnold, and brother-in-law Bob (Patti).   She attended North Fulton High School where she played basketball.  After high school, she enrolled in Tennessee Wesleyan College, which became one of her most favorite places.  She was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority and served in many leadership roles on campus. She returned often to campus, supporting their fundraising efforts, visiting with local faculty and telling everyone who would listen about her love of TWC.

She married her husband, Reverend William “Bill” Jackson in June of 1971. Their love story began at First United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia when they were teenagers.  Jo went on to earn her Masters in Education in 1981 from Georgia State while she had 2 young children, and was teaching PE full time.  She taught in Alexandria, VA and Dekalb, Clarke, Jackson, and Clayton counties in Georgia.  At 50, she went to UGA to earn her PhD in Education.  She then finished her teaching career as the PE coordinator in Clayton County.  Jo loved teaching and always felt her ministerial calling was to teach.  After 38 years of teaching, she retired, only to then take over the family business Foam Fabricators of Georgia.  She had no business experience, but quickly earned the trust and love of both employees and clients.  She was still working the day she was diagnosed and then continued in some capacity while sitting in hospital beds, treatment rooms and at home.

Alongside her husband of 51 years, they served numerous churches in the North Georgia Methodist Conference.  She served many meals in her home and at church and was always available to teach Sunday School, go on Mission Trips to Brazil and Nicagura, and share her testimony. She loved the Lord and wanted everyone to know her story.

She is survived by her 2 children Carrie Scruggs (Lanier) Athens, GA and Todd Jackson (Kallie) Birmingham, AL and her 5 grandchildren whom she loved tremendously, Lewis, Jackson and Henry Scruggs and Will and Kate Jackson.  Being a “Mimi” was her most prized credential.  She rarely missed a sporting event and was always the loudest in the stands. Every year she would have “Cousins’ Camp” where all the grandchildren would spend the week doing fun and often educational activities.  She loved being in the kitchen with them, and was an excellent cook. Her meals led to long evenings sitting around the table, deep conversations and lots of laughter.  Once you entered her home, you were family!

Visitation will be held at Tuckston United Methodist Church in Athens, GA Saturday, November 12th at 2pm, followed by a Memorial Service at 3pm then a Graveside Service, and later a Reception in the Fellowship Hall.

With education being so dear to her heart, in lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Josephine Jackson can be made to Tennessee Wesleyan College, TWC Advancement Office, 204 E. College Street, Athens, TN 37303 or Athens Academy 1281 Spartan Lane, ℅ Development Office, Athens, GA 30606.

Lord and Stephens, East is in charge of arrangements.

www.lordandstephens.com