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Celebrating the life of Deborah R. Jackson.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 29, 2026
WHEREAS, Deborah R. Jackson, a passionate educator who touched countless young lives and a tireless volunteer who gave generously of her time and talents to support a wide range of community organizations in Northern Virginia, died on December 24, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Jackson grew up in Washington, D.C., and graduated from St. Cecilia's Academy in 1972, then continued her education at Frostburg State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree and was a member of Sisters in the Struggle, which played an instrumental role in establishing an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., chapter at the institution; and
WHEREAS, a diligent lifelong learner, Deborah Jackson also earned a master's degree from Southeastern University and a doctorate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, then pursued a career in education; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Jackson began working at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., and subsequently joined Fairfax County Public Schools, where her commitment to equitable, high-quality public education defined her legacy; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Jackson initially worked as a history and social studies teacher, then held positions as an administrator at Holmes Middle School, Annandale High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, and McLean High School; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Jackson was well known for improving academic achievement and graduation rates at her schools, and she worked diligently to ensure that every student in her care felt supported, challenged, and inspired to excel both in and out of the classroom; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Jackson retired from Fairfax County Public Schools in 2016 as assistant director for curriculum development, then became an adjunct professor at the University of Virginia and a coach with the Center for Strategic Leadership and Organizational Coherence; and
WHEREAS, outside of her career, Deborah Jackson was a committed member of multiple civic and service organizations; she served as chapter president of the McLean Rotary Club from 2019 to 2020 and held several leadership roles at the district level, supported young people as an active member of the Northern Virginia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., promoted education as president of the board of trustees for Learning Forward International, uplifted women through the Business and Professional Women's Club of Northern Virginia and the Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, and was a devoted sister of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., for more than 50 years; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Jackson was a woman of deep and abiding faith, who was baptized at First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights, which had been founded by her uncle, the Reverend William Tyler; she was a devoted member of the congregation for three decades, until 2012, when she joined Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, where she remained active with church ministries and served on the Mount Pleasant Academy Board; and
WHEREAS, despite her many commitments and leadership roles, Deborah Jackson's greatest priority was always her family; she was the top cheerleader for her children at sporting events and activities and was a proud family ambassador, who stayed in close contact with relatives and looked forward to reunions that brought together multiple generations of loved ones; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Jackson will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her supportive husband, Henry; her beloved children, Kelley, Justin, and Brandon, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Deborah R. Jackson, an esteemed resident of Northern Virginia who enhanced the lives of others through her commitment to faith, family, and servant leadership; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Deborah R. Jackson as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.