Jessie Christine Tufts Jackson

Jessie Christine Tufts Jackson, of Easton, MD, originally from Belmont, MA, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at Bayleigh Chase Assisted Living at the age of 95. She was predeceased by her husband, Capt. Clifton Edward Jackson (USN, Ret’d) of Columbia, MD; parents, William G. Tufts and Elizabeth C. Tufts of Belmont, MA; brother, William G. Tufts Jr. of North Reading, MA, sister, Donna T. Hopkins and her spouse Gerald Hopkins, of Downers Grove, IL; and son-in-law, Phillip D. Reed of Darien, CT. Survivors include sister-in-law, Barbara Tufts of Lynnfield, MA; three children, Clifton E. Jackson Jr. (and spouse Florence) of St. Michaels, MD, Elizabeth J. Reed of Darien, CT, and Donald C. Jackson (spouse Carol Dubie) of Philadelphia, PA; four grandchildren, LCDR Clifton E. Jackson. III, USN, Jackson D. Reed, Catherine J. duPont (spouse Samuel C. duPont), and Phillip O. Reed (spouse Kellie Kemp). Mrs. Jackson received a degree in Psychology from Smith College in December 1943, where she participated in the new Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) program, and upon graduation was immediately commissioned as an Ensign USNR. She served in the Navy flying across the country setting up logistical facilities both supporting and demonstrating how women could be productive Naval Officers in challenging military aviation settings. She married a Naval aviator, LCDR Clifton E. Jackson, on 12/14/1946, and left Naval Service in 1949 with an honorable discharge at the rank of LTJG. Over the next 69 years, she raised three children while moving to Naval bases around the country/world, received a Master’s Degree in Education from GW University, taught elementary school reading in several school systems, and advanced to become a Principal’s Supervisor responsible for three elementary schools in Montgomery County, MD. One of her greatest loves was playing the organ and piano, with her instinctive ear for music and her fluid playing style bringing great joy to both herself and others for all of her life. Mrs. Jackson will be buried on April 16, 2019 in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors, following a 1 p.m., Chapel Service at Ft. Myer. Those interested in attending not already in contact with the family should leave their contact information with the funeral home (410-822-3131), as access to Ft. Myer will need to be arranged. To view/post photos/videos/tributes please visit: https://www.fhnfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Jessie-Jackson-10. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Phillip D. Reed Memorial Environmental Writing Award, Southern Environmental Law Center, 201 West Main St., Suite 14, Charlottesville, VA 22902 or www.southernenvironment.org/donate in memory of Jessie Jackson.

Jessie Christine Tufts Jackson

August 6, 1922 - January 17, 2018