Patricia Jackson

Patricia Potter Jackson, Yuba City, Calif, passed away on Jan. 6, 2014.

Pat was born in the family house (Hillcrest) in Peabody on Jan. 22, 1919. She was the third of four children born to George Percival and Helen Baker Potter.

She grew up and thrived among many loving friends and relatives, including her Baker cousins. In 1937 she graduated from Peabody High School.

After attending Baker University, she transferred to Kansas State University and graduated in 1942 with a major in physical education. At Kansas State she was an honor student and president of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. With son Roger and Marion friends she formed a loyal KSU following for football and basketball games.

After teaching in Abilene for two years she married Max Jackson Sr. in Sequin, Texas, on Feb. 11, 1944. They settled in Marion two years later after Max was discharged from the Army Air Force. Max and Pat were married 32 years and raised four children in Marion.

In 1955 Pat was hired as one of the first girl’s physical educators in central Kansas. Her teaching career extended 37 years and when offered to teach government she was quoted as saying, “Wow, did I jump at that, because I love government.” She received a master’s degree in education from Emporia State in 1966. She was a natural educator and received great satisfaction and praise for her teaching skill and commitment to her students. She consistently supported Marion High School activities, especially the sports team.

A lifelong Presbyterian and member of Marion Presbyterian Church, she enjoyed singing in the choir, directing children’s choirs, and teaching adult Sunday school. Pat spent many enjoyable hours playing golf, tennis, contract bridge and traveling to Idaho, California, and Nevada to visit family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Tom Potter and Ethan Potter, her sister Joan Berns and her son Roger. Survivors include son Max Jackson of Reno, Nev.; son George Jackson and wife Jeanette of Boise, Idaho; daughter Helen Jackson and her husband Tim Nicholson of Yuba City, Calif.; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. at Marion Presbyterian Church. Memorial contributions can be made to Marion Presbyterian Church and the Chris Hauser Foundation of Marion High School.