Kathy Dunn Jackson
By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU
The family of retired Alabama State University faculty member, Dr. Kathy Dunn Jackson, has announced special service arrangements for Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31.
A respected and beloved professor at ASU for more than 34 years, Jackson passed away on May 22.
Jackson spent most of her life on the ASU campus. Both of her parents, Coach C. J. Dunn and Mrs. G. Faustine Dunn, taught at the University. Jackson attended high school at what was then known as the Alabama State College Laboratory School from 1956-58. An outstanding scholar, she was named valedictorian of her senior class. She went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Fisk University, her master’s degree from the University of Michigan and her doctoral degree from Auburn University.
TENURE AT ASU
Dr. Jackson began her tenure at ASU in 1964 as an instructor of English. She progressed up the academic ladder to the status of full professor of English, and she later served as the director of the Interdisciplinary Honors Program and chairwoman of the Department of Humanities. In 1996, Dr. Jackson received the Prudential Award for Teaching Excellence. She retired from the University in 1998.
Dr. Jackson was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The LINKS Incorporated and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She also was active in several other community service organizations. Dr. Jackson was a lifelong, active member of Old Ship AME Zion Church, where her maternal grandfather once served as the senior pastor.
DUNN-OLIVER ACADOME
Dr. Jackson's father was legendary ASU basketball coach, C. J. Dunn. He served in many positions on campus, including dean of Students. ASU's Dunn-Oliver Acadome bears his name.
FAMILY AND ARRANGEMENTS
Dr. Jackson was married to ASU alumnus, Samuel L. Jackson, for more than 56 years. They have two children, Erika (Elijah) Gardner and Brandon (Felisa) Jackson.
Memorial services for Dr. Jackson will be held in the chapel of The Ross-Clayton Funeral Home on Friday, May 30, beginning with an Ivy Beyond the Wall ceremony at 6 p.m., a Links Incorporated program at 6:30 p.m., and a Jack and Jill of America, Inc. service at 7 p.m. The Family Hour is scheduled from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Dr. Jackson's resurrection service is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at Old Ship A.M.E. Zion Church, located at 483 Holcombe Street in Montgomery.