Isabelle Jackson

Isabelle Jackson, 94, of Hannibal, MO, passed away at 8:55 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2015, at Hannibal Regional Hospital. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2015, at the Smith Funeral Home and Chapel. Rev. Steve Barker will officiate. Burial will be in the Grand View Burial Park. Visitation will be held 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2015, at the Smith Funeral Home and Chapel. Mrs. Jackson was born October 24, 1920, in Frankford, MO the daughter of Harry and Hazel (Owens) Thornton, the youngest of five children. She was united in marriage to Russell M. Jackson, Jr. on August 16, 1942, at her parent's house in Frankford. He preceded her in death on January 5, 2011. Survivors include a son, Dr. David M. Jackson and wife Lillian of Hannibal, MO; two granddaughters, Jessica Felton (Ryan) of Leawood, KS and Elizabeth Griffith (Brian) of Shawnee, KS; four great grandchildren, Elijah, Lukas, Olivia Felton and George Russell Griffith; and several nieces and nephews In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Jackson was preceded in death by one son, Philip Thornton Jackson; three brothers, Paul, Okey, Owen Thornton; and one sister, Francis Tucker. Isabelle loved adventure, life and giving to others. She began teaching in a three room school house in Frankford, later receiving a BS Degree from Boston University and a Masters from NMSTC (Truman University). Mrs. Jackson was an elementary teacher at Oakwood School in Hannibal for over 20 years. Isabelle loved to travel and visited six of the seven continents. Always loving adventure, she took a glider ride on her 90th birthday. She was a hospital volunteer beginning at Levering Hospital where she began the Puppet Committee that continues today at Hannibal Regional Hospital. Isabelle was honored as Volunteer of the Year for the hospital auxiliary. She was also Volunteer of the Year for her efforts with the Mark Twain Museum. Mrs. Jackson was also a member of the Women's Club, Retired Teachers Association and First Christian Church of Hannibal. Pallbearers will be Ryan Felton, Brian Griffith, Steve Aiello, Gentry Youse, Mark Alexander and Rusty Alexander. Honorary pallbearer will be Mindy Thomas. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hannibal Regional Hospital Auxiliary or the Mark Twain Museum, in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Chapel.