Cathie J. Jackson

Cathie Jean Jackson, of Keller, TX, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Silverado Memory Care in Southlake, Texas. She will always be remembered as a loving mother, friend, and colleague, to all that knew and loved her.

She was born to Charles and Jean Osborne on October 4, 1942, in Kingsport, TN. Cathie is survived by her daughter, Susan Smith (Buddy) of Maiden, NC, brother, John Osborne (Sharon) of Garden City, Idaho; Stepchildren, Cary Jackson (Katrina) of Bryan, TX, Timi Jackson of Phoenix, AZ, Cheryl Royal (Keith) of Bridge City, TX, three step-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Her dear friends, Jim and Diane Coble, and her daughter from another mother, Kim Westbrook (Lonnie) of Garland, TX. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Mary Ann Hardwick, a brother, Charles S. “Rusty” Osborne (Janet) of Arlington, TX and her husband of 45 years, Earl Jackson.

Cathie began her journey at Tarrant County Community College, then Tarrant County Junior College, in 1975, taking on the role of assistant director of admissions. A decade later, she transitioned to become the registrar for the NE Campus. For 16 years, she led as the district director of admissions and records. In 2009, she retired from her position as Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Services.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in History and her Master of Arts in English from the University of Texas at Arlington, where she developed a deep passion for the humanities. By 2000, Cathie had completed her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at the University of North Texas, enhancing her expertise in academic leadership and educational policy.

Cathie was instrumental in the founding of the Old Town Keller Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to preserving the history of the Keller area. In October 2013, she played a key role in saving a 90-year-old house on Main Street from demolition. The house was relocated to an unused city park on Bates Street, and exactly one year later, the Wild Rose Heritage Center was inaugurated. Following this, the foundation opened the Station House Train Museum in a nearby house that became available, featuring both indoor and outdoor railroad memorabilia.

A special Thank You to Paul and Peggy Harrison and all the amazing people who volunteered their time to help keep the museums open over the years.

Cathie’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Silverado Memory Care and Hospice for their compassionate care and unwavering dedication. Their kindness and support during this challenging time have been immensely comforting and deeply appreciated by everyone in the family.

A celebration of Life Open House will be held at the Keller History Museum, 133 Bates St, Keller TX 76248 on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be in memory of Dr. Cathie Jackson may be made to the C.J. Jackson Scholarship at the Tarrant County College Foundation or the Old Town Keller Foundation.