Obituary
Katharine Louise Boyd Jackson
August 8, 1955 – December 13, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce our beloved Kathy has earned her wings and went to heaven on December 13, 2021. Kathy was the mother of three children and their spouses: Jason Jackson & Michelle, Jonathan Jackson, Jessica Manning & Terrence. Beloved Nana to Julia, Joel, Jackson, June and Dayanna. She was one of four daughters. Dear sister to Betty Newton, Linda Smart and Brenda Garrett. Katharine is preceded by her parents George Dewey Boyd & Elmira Elizabeth Barfield Boyd.
Kathy had her beloved animals, children, spouses, grandchildren, and her sister Linda present as she took her last breath in her home in Mims, FL. Her sister Linda moved into her home giving Kathy the best care. Her sister Betty was there any time needed to fill in. Jason, Jon and Jessica greatly appreciate Aunt Betty and Linda’s devotion to their Mother.
She was a native of Florida and grew up in Mims. After graduating from Astronaut high school, she married Johnny A. Jackson from Morganton North Carolina at Mims Church of God in Florida on June 29, 1974. Utilizing her skills as a seamstress led to making the most beautiful wedding dress for her wedding. Johnny was in the Army and stationed in Hawaii where they lived for two years. Then moved to Morganton North Carolina where they had there, 1st child Jason Alan Jackson on March 2, 1977. Later their 2nd born son Jonathon Aaron Jackson was born on July 10, 1978. They moved to Florida where her mother in-law Edna L. Jackson lived with them and helped raise the boys. Where they enhanced their strong bond with one another. She was an amazing mother with great intuition, when her 2nd born son Jonathon seemed to be experiencing issues. She insisted that doctors listened to her. Many trips to the doctors and demanding answers. Without her persistence her son would have died. She saved Jon’s life. On August 14, 1982 Kathy blessed the family with their baby girl Jessica Alana Jackson. Johnny and Kathy were married for 14 years. She held her own by providing for her children after her divorce.
With no college degree, perseverance and good work ethic Kathy landed a job at Rockwell International, making the High-Temperature Reusable Surface Insulation (HRSI) tile for the space shuttle. That was the start of her space journey. She later worked for Lockheed. She retired from United Space Alliance as a Logistics Technician with 30+ years. She achieved many awards in the recognition of her dedication, commitment to excellence and her achievement and support of the space program.
After her mother passed at the young age of 67. Kathy devoted her time to her father. She selflessly would go sit with him most evenings after working a full day. Following retirement, she was a caregiver with her sisters for their 90-year-old father. She took charge and was depended on by all. During those six years of caring for him is when she found out about her cancer. She still tried her best to continue caring for her father despite what she was going through. Kathy was strong and put up a courageous fight against cancer that inspired us all.
Katharine enjoyed shooting pool and was a member on two leagues which led to many tournaments. She was a straight shooter and never played it safe. She had a special bond with all her pets which were most likely ranked higher than her children and she REALLY loved her children! She enjoyed sitting on her porch and watching the world go by, especially the hummingbirds.
Kathy had a heart of gold and was very compassionate. She accepted people for who they were. She was very giving to anyone she met. She always had a positive attitude and never complained. She was never afraid to speak her mind and tell you how it was. She never met a stranger. Katharine Louis Jackson was an aMazing, lOving, beauTiful, thougHtful, sElfless and stRong Woman!!
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