Karen Leigh Jackson

Karen was born on June 11th, 1958 in Chincoteague, Virginia to Billy Bryan and Hope O'Banion. She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, James Jackson, their three wonderful children Robin Jackson Voss (Jeff), David Jackson (Kristen), and Susan Jackson Carroll (Brian), her beautiful sister, Kelly O’Banion Rose (Vance), Stepfather, Roy Dodson, Stepmother, Barbara O'Banion, Stepsisters, Jackie Vardiman (Phil) and Jan Hummel (Chuck), three beloved Grandchildren Archer Voss, Colin Voss, and Dylan Jackson, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Karen grew up in Fort Stockton, Texas, and graduated from Fort Stockton High School in 1976 where she played the French horn and discovered her love for tennis. She began her college journey at The University of Texas at Austin, where she met the love of her life, James, who was two years ahead of her. After he graduated, she moved with him as he began a 36-year career with Halliburton. Karen put her education on hold to support their growing family but never let go of her goal. In 1997, Karen graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in English, a proud accomplishment and a reflection of her determination.

Karen spent 15 years teaching middle school Texas History, a subject she was deeply passionate about. Her love for the stories of Texas ran deep, and she went above and beyond to find creative ways for her students to learn. Even on family trips, she would happily take the longer route if it meant stopping at a historical marker or passing through a town with a story to tell. Karen did not just teach history. She lived it. She shared it. She made others fall in love with it too.

Karen lived every moment with heart, purpose, and an unwavering love for the people in her life. She gave her all to everything she did and, in turn, inspired her family to live with that same wholehearted spirit. Her bright presence and curiosity for life made every moment feel fuller and every connection feel deeper. She never met a stranger. She loved people. She loved hosting parties. She showed up early, stayed late, and made everything she touched more thoughtful and more joyful. Karen gave her time, her joy, her energy, her love — always in abundance.

Though our hearts are heavy, we, her beloved husband and children, find peace in knowing her love lives on in each of us. In the way we celebrate, serve, and show up for one another. Her joy, generosity, and sunshine will forever be a part of who we are. She will be missed beyond measure, but never far from our hearts.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on Friday, July 11th at 3:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, located at 411 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway, TX 78734. The family invites all who knew and loved Karen to join in remembering her joyful spirit.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to honor Karen’s love of Texas. Gifts can be made to the Texas Parks and Wildlife, or Friends of Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Texas Parks and Wildlife

https://www.tpwf.org/

Friends of Big Bend Ranch State Park

https://www.friendsofbigbendranch.com/donate/