Karen Jackson, 78, of Pensacola, FL passed away Saturday, July 23, 2022.

Karen was born on March 26, 1944, in Buffalo, NY to Edna (Fisher) and Charles Perkins. Her family moved to Lakeland, FL in 1945. She graduated in 1962 from Lakeland Senior High School. She received a full scholarship to Florida Southern College where she earned her B.S. in Home Economics with Honors (1966). Her first career was at the University of Florida county extension office in West Palm Beach, FL. She met the love of her life, Ronald Jackson, who lived in the apartment below her, and they were married on April 7, 1967. Her next career was a full-time wife and mother to three children. She surpassed the writings of Proverbs 31:10-31 (The Wife of Noble Character). She was an active member of Memorial Presbyterian Church, then Lake Osborne Presbyterian Church, both in West Palm Beach, FL.

She moved to Pensacola in 2001. She immediately became an active member of McIlwain Presbyterian Church where she made many friends that she loved dearly. She was a gourmet chef, avid gardener and master seamstress, quilter, knitter, and needleworker. She was the glue to our family and devoted her entire life to the care of us. She was selfless, humble, and kind to everyone. She had the gift of encouragement and showing care for others. The world has lost a light in the darkness.

Sadly, she died in her sleep, but we know with confidence she is with her Lord that she loved with all her heart.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her younger sister, Beverly Boston, all of Lakeland, FL.

Karen is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ronald "Ron" Jackson; a daughter, Michele Lacasse (Kevin) of Ripon, CA; a son, David Jackson of Pensacola, FL; a daughter, Kelly Delk (Kevin) of Scotts Valley, CA; grandchildren, Benjamin Lacasse of Oakland, CA, Emily Lacasse of Davenport, FL, Everett Delk and Whitaker Delk of Scotts Valley, CA; her sister, Jeannette Gravatt (Michael) and brother, Bill Perkins (Cheryl); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 10:00am until a Memorial Service to begin at 11:00am Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at McIlwain Presbyterian Church of Pensacola, with Dr. Gary Cox officiating. A funeral cortege will depart the church at 1:00pm for a committal service to begin at 1:30pm at Barrancas National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Mission to the World, P.O. Box 744165, Atlanta, GA 30374-4165.