Terri R. Jackson

Terri R. Jackson, 50, of Springfield, left us to celebrate her life on February 20, 2008. Terri, T.J., or TiTi, was born on April 7, 1957, the day before her mother's birthday and throughout her life continued to be a gift to everyone she encountered. She was born and raised in Springfield, the third of six children of George and Ruth Jackson. Terri was a graduate of Southeast High School, received her Bachelor's degree from Sangamon State University and was enrolled in the graduate program at the University of Illinois at Springfield (formerly Sangamon State University). TiTi's greatest joy was her son, Damien E. Jackson, followed closely by her enthusiasm for her grandchildren, Cici, Cam and Harmonee. She was committed to her career with the University of Illinois at Springfield where she served as Director of Multicultural Student Affairs. T.J. viewed her students and the staff as truly a second family. Her love and devotion spilled over into her activism in the community. Terri shared her talents with both local and national organizations, including: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Springfield Human Rights Commission, Springfield Urban League, the Springfield Chapter of NAACP and the Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Minority Services. She was a founding member of Community Working Together for a Cure and of Women United and was appointed by Governor Rod Blagojevich to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. Terri was a member of Monroe Street Christian Church. She goes to join a sister, Michelle Y. Jackson and one grandchild, Journee A. Jackson. She leaves to lead the celebration her parents, George S. and Ruth J. Jackson of Springfield; one son, Damien Jackson of Springfield; two brothers, George E. Jackson and Eugene (wife, Tracy) Jackson both of Springfield; two sisters, Jennifer C. Jackson of Rock Island and Vanessa J. Jackson of Atlanta, GA; one nephew, Adrien Jackson of MO; one niece, Danielle Jackson of MO; three grandchildren, Camden Jackson, Harmonee Cunningham and Ciara Jackson of Springfield; five aunts, Ada Wofford of Springfield, Francis Davis of WI, Maggie Moore of IA, Della Reese and Maryetta Jackson both of Springfield; seven uncles, Jim, Otis, George and Tolies Crawford of Springfield, William Crawford of OH, Carl Crawford of IA and Rahman Ali of Springfield; and numerous cousins and friends. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 24, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral ceremonies will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 25, 2008 at Studio Theater in The PAC on the campus of UIS. Memorial donations may be made to one of the following: Hospice Care of Illinois, 720 N. Bond St., Springfield, IL 62702, or: University of Illinois at Springfield, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, 1 University Plaza, SLB 22, Springfield, IL 62703, or: Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, IL Department of Public Health, Office of Women's Health, 535 W. Jefferson, Springfield, IL 62761, or: National City Bank, Educational Fund for Terri's grandchildren.