D. Jackson

Miriam Jackson, 95, of Decatur, IL, passed into eternal life at 6:25 p.m., Wednesday, June 27, 2018.Miriam was born June 28, 1922 in Cedar Rapids, IA, the daughter of Harold F. Schory and Marguerite (Hurst) Schory. She married Jerald E. Jackson on February 28, 1944 in Chicago, IL. Miriam graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Education degree. She worked as a secretary to the Supt. of the Forsyth County Board of Education in Winston-Salem, N.C. while her husband served in the Air Force. She was secretary to the Department of Music at the University of Chicago while Jerald attended law school. Throughout her life, she was active in and dedicated to civic affairs and served on Decatur Day Care Center board; Junior Welfare (Director of Children’s Theater); President of Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra Guild; Regent of Stephen Decatur Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR); State Registrar of DAR; President of Chapter IF, PEO; Friends of the Library Board; Decatur Adult Study Club; Decatur Memorial Hospital Thrift Shop; and Board of Directors of the Religious Life series at Millikin University. Miriam also served on First Baptist Church Music Board and Building Committee. Mom was active in Bible Study Fellowship for a number of years.Miriam’s many interests included travel, reading, theater, golf, tennis and bridge. Like her husband, she was a die-hard Cubs fan. Miriam’s passion was her family.Miriam is survived by sons, Mark E. (Ann) Jackson of Decatur, IL, J. Christopher (LeAnne) Jackson of St. Charles, IL, Jeffrey W. (Cheryl) Jackson of Hudson, IL, James T. Jackson of Decatur; grandchildren Julia (John) Douglass, Paul E. Jackson, Laura (Erik) Van Kampen, Kristen Jackson, Karen Jackson, Gregory Jackson, Katherine Jackson, Alec Jackson, Marissa Jackson; great-grandchildren Lillian Douglass and Katherine Van Kampen, and her nephew Gregory (Susan) Foster.She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, and parents.The family expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the staff and residents of Primrose Retirement Community for always making Miriam feel like she was at home. The family also gives thanks to the Cardio-Vascular staff at Decatur Memorial Hospital for its professional and compassionate care to Miriam in her last days. "
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