Billie Jackson

BILLIE JACKSON, 98, passed away Monday, Dec. 28, 2015. Bille Jackson was born in Omaha, Neb. on Dec. 14, 1917. She graduated from Omaha Central High School and the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. On Jan. 16, 1942, she married Lowell W. Jackson. After World War II, they moved to Michigan City, Ind. and subsequently to Peoria, Ill. in 1954. While in Peoria, Billie was involved in the American Field Service exchange program for high school students. One of those students lived with the Jackson's in 1960 to 1961. The family also hosted several foreign exchange students that attended Bradley University. In 1968, the Jackson's moved to Fort Wayne, where Billie helped establish the pre-school and daycare at North Christian Church. She was an avid bridge player. Surviving are her daughters, Paula Hazelrigg of Omaha, Neb. and Julie Jetmore of Richmond, Ind.; four grandsons, Scott (Denise) Hazelrigg, Peter (Marti) Hazelrigg, Eric (Carolina) Branson and Adam Branson; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Judy Harvey of Omaha, Neb.; and brother, Ivo 'Buzz' Suing of Apache Junction, Ariz.; many nieces and nephews; and several adopted daughters, Taeko Toriyama, Diane Curtis, Deb Schumate and Bonnie Thrush. Service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, at North Christian Church, 5201 Camden Dr., with calling one hour prior. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne, Ind. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to YWCA-NE Indiana Emergency Crisis Shelter, Rose Home Half Way House, or the Wounded Warrior Project.