August 2, 1945 – January 18, 2026

Barbara Ann Reedy Jackson, 80, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026. She was born on August 2, 1945, in Harrison, Ohio, to James and Mary Ann Reedy.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mary Ann Reedy, and her sister, Carol Jean Boatright.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Dick Jackson; her sons, Jimmy Jackson and wife Carri, and Johnny Jackson and wife Denise; her beloved grandchildren: James Jackson, Jordan Jackson, Jared Jackson, Connor Hanna and wife Natalia, Colby Hanna, Caleb Hanna, and Courtney Hanna; and her nephew, Brian Boatright of Atlanta, Georgia.

Barbara’s generous heart extended far beyond her immediate family. Her love for friends resulted in many whom she considered her own children. Among those were Kent Poole, his wife Traci, and their daughter Kassidy, as well as Brad Woodard and Seana Pak, all of whom held a special place in her life. She lovingly considered Kent Poole her son, and one of her most cherished traditions was making him a special batch of homemade fudge every Christmas—a small but meaningful reflection of the deep love and care she shared so freely.

Barbara devoted her life to education and to her family. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in Whitehouse, where she found great joy in watching young children learn to read for the first time. She later earned her master’s degree and joined The University of Texas at Tyler, where she fulfilled what she described as her calling: “to prepare competent young teachers who saw and understood the real world.” Among her proudest professional accomplishments were watching the young teachers she mentored go on to succeed, leaving a lasting impact on countless students and classrooms.

Above all else, Barbara’s greatest pride and joy were her family. When asked about her proudest moments in life, she said they were “the birth of my children and then my grandchildren.” Nothing brought her greater happiness than having her family together. Birthdays, holidays, and family dinners were sacred to her, with Christmas holding a particularly special place in her heart. She never missed a basketball game, graduation, or important milestone, and was a constant supporter, biggest cheerleader, and steady presence in the lives of her grandchildren.

Barbara also cherished her friendships and was known for her strong circle of friends. She especially enjoyed her Friday bridge games, which brought her years of laughter, fellowship, and treasured memories. Among her most cherished relationships was her best friend of more than 50 years, Becky Ables. The two met as teachers and shared a lifetime of friendship—walking side by side through careers in education, family life, and everyday joys, from the classroom to canning tomatoes together. Over five decades of friendship, they never experienced a day of conflict, a rare and remarkable bond built on love, respect, and unwavering loyalty.

A memorial service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at Hillcreek Baptist Church. Service details will be announced by the family at a later date.

Barbara wished to be remembered as “a kind, loving person to all, a trusted friend, and a positive, upbeat person.” Those who knew her would agree that she lived exactly that way. Her legacy of love, faith, and encouragement lives on through her family and the many lives she touched.

Memorial Service : Saturday,  January 24th 10:30 am, Hill Creek Baptist Church 11749 Tx-110 Whitehouse, Tx 75791

Due to weather we are rescheduling the memorial service.