Mrs. Deborah Dyane Johnson Jackson

Deborah Dyane (Johnson) Jackson was born February 3, 1949, in Memphis, TN to the late Audrey Quinn Johnson and Ira W Thomas. She accepted Christ at an early age at First Baptist Mt. Olive Church under the leadership of the late Rev. N.A. Crawford.

She grew up and lived in the Douglass Community and was a 1967 graduate of Douglass High School.

Deborah, a faithful servant leader, chose to live a life of selflessness. Before marrying and having a family, she was a beloved maternal figure to her older and younger siblings. They all speak fondly of trips to the fair, downtown, and other places where Deborah would take them to spend quality time.

In January 1968, Deborah married the love of her life, Paul Davis Jackson Sr., a military man. Together, they journeyed to numerous cities across the country, creating lasting memories along the way. Eventually they settled in Rock Island, IL, where they built a beautiful life together.

Deborah was a devoted wife and mother of two children whom she doted on. She loved to bake and cook for her family and friends. She loved a good burger, chocolate cake, and ice cream! She couldn't pass a service station without stopping for a scratch off ticket. Deborah also loved shopping and was a bargain hunter. Once, she found a bargain on turkey fryers and mailed them to her loved ones across the country no matter how far away they were.

While she was a woman of many talents, Deborah spent her life caring for her children and grandchildren. Her love for her family was the focal point of her entire life. She was fondly known to “spoil” everyone she interacted with, especially her children and grandchildren as well as all of their friends. After raising Paul Jr. and Barbara, she continued to be a mother to everyone who crossed her doorway. Her spirit was unwavering and indomitable; she faced every challenge without complaint.

Deborah departed this life on December 29, 2024. She was beautiful on the inside and the outside. Her beautiful smile, quiet wit, and gentle, thoughtful presence will be missed.

Deborah leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 56 years, Paul Jackson, Sr.; one son, Paul Jackson Jr (Alyce) of Peoria IL; one daughter, Barbara Marie Jackson (Monty Lewis) of Rock Island IL; four granddaughters, Mia Jackson, Lena Jackson, Daysha Taylor, and Nakiyah Taylor. One brother, Reginald Johnson (Patricia) of Conyers, GA; two sisters Jaqueline Taylor and Mia Peete of Memphis, TN; two aunts, Gloria Alexander of Garland, TX, and Barbara Demire of Memphis, TN, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Shirley Isom, Joyce Clayton, and Yolanda Johnson.

A visitation for Deborah will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at M.J. Edwards Funeral Home Stage Road Chapel, 4445 Stage Road, Memphis, TN 38128, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM.

Burial will take place Monday, January 13, 2024 1:00 PM at New Park Cemetery, 4536 Horn Lake Road, Memphis, TN 38109.