Annie Doris Jackson

Obituary For Annie Doris Jackson

Annie Doris Harrell Jackson, a faithful servant of God, loving wife, devoted mother, cherished sister, and dedicated educator and administrator, passed away on August 3, 2026.

Annie was born on October 7, 1948, in Climax, Georgia, and was raised in Attapulgus, Georgia, where she developed a love of learning that would shape her entire life. She attended Attapulgus-Mount Moriah High School before going on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Albany State University in 1970. She continued her education by earning a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Governors State University.

She began her teaching career in Albany, Georgia and Miami, Florida, before eventually moving to Chicago, Illinois with her husband Willie L. Jackson. She dedicated 27 years to Valley View School District. Beginning as an elementary school teacher, she later served as a principal, touching the lives of countless students, teachers, and staff. Known for her patience, warmth, and unwavering belief in every child’s potential, she was the kind of educator and leader families remembered long after their children left her school. She carried that same spirit of leadership into retirement, remaining active in the causes closest to her heart.

Faith was the foundation of Annie’s life. She was a devoted Christian and member of Davie Street Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder, Sunday School teacher, Chair of the Circle 3 ministry group and various fundraising initiatives — living out her faith through kindness, compassion, and service.

Known for her gracious spirit and creativity, Annie found joy in creating beauty. She loved planning celebrations, crafting thoughtful keepsakes, and adding special touches that made every gathering warm, welcoming, and memorable.

A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, for more than 50 years, she was a Crystal Dove Zeta, an honor reserved for those with decades of dedicated sisterhood and service.

As a member of the Capital Area Section of National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), she served and led numerous committees and community initiatives.

Other organizations she served on throughout the years included the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Progressives-Harambe, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and the Golden Eagles.

Over the years, Annie received numerous awards and accolades recognizing her leadership, dedication, and service — a fitting tribute to a woman who gave so freely of herself to others.

Family was the heart of Annie’s life. She shared a remarkable bond with her siblings, rooted in unconditional love, unwavering support, and a lifetime of cherished memories. Through every season of life, they remained one another’s greatest supporters, and that treasured bond was one of Annie’s greatest blessings.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie L. Jackson; parents, Carsmore Harrell, Sr. and Inez Harrell; and her brothers, George Harrell, Anthony Harrell, and Willie Gus Harrell.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Rashida Kim Jackson of Bolingbrook, IL; her sisters, Dorothy Harrell Thomas of Attapulgus, GA and Dr. Florence Harrell of Havana, FL; her brothers, Oscar (Connie) Harrell of Tallahassee, FL and Carsmore (Ira) Harrell, Jr. of Cliffwood, NJ; her sisters-in-law, Annie Doris Harrell of Tallahassee, FL, Gloria Harrell of Attapulgus, GA, Charlene (Charles) Benjamin of Miami, FL, and Gloria Moore of Waycross, GA; her brother-in-law, Kenneth Ray of Waycross, GA; a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews; and a wide circle of friends, sorority sisters, former students, and colleagues whose lives she touched.

Annie Doris Harrell-Jackson’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she shaped through her faith, leadership, creativity, and unwavering love for others.

Graveside services will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 22, 2025, at Conyers Cemetery in Climax, Georgia.

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