Karilyn Jackson, died Thursday, Dec. 19, Karilyn was 74 years old, born Feb. 27, 1950, in Des Moines, Iowa.
As a child growing up in Des Moines, she had many fond memories of their family time at Christmas, taking vacations out west, summer fishing trips to Minnesota, and making their annual Fourth of July trip to the family farm in Kansas.
Karilyn graduated from the University of Iowa School of Social Work in 1972 and worked at Broadlawns Medical Center-Hospital in Des Moines and Trinity Regional Medical Center-Hospital in Fort Dodge.
One of Karilyn’s highest priorities was to make sure her children attended a Christian school. She was very industrious, starting a cleaning and day care business to pay for school tuition.
Karilyn loved to sing and was involved with singing groups in high school and college and sang in the church choir. She loved praise music. Karilyn loved family holidays – decorating the house and making it a special time. Karilyn loved living out in the country and enjoyed feeding and watching the birds. She documented more than 34 different bird species in her back yard.
She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Ronald; three children Terry (Nicole) Jackson of Grand Rapids, Kristin (Brandon) Herrick of Muskegon, Tyler (Lisa) Jackson of Grand Haven; brother, Steve Broad of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and cousin, Linda Miller of Lexington, Ky. She was also a grandmother to eight grandchildren, including Zeke (22), Lilly (21), Evy (8), Jude (7), Hans (5), Sloane (2 1/2), Ernie (1), and Winston (8 months). She loved spending time with them and often provided care so the parents could work or have some free time for themselves.
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home – Dorr Chapel, 4330 18th St., with visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. In memory of Karilyn and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Corewell Health Hospice.
