Jennifer Ann Walker passed away November 2, 2021 after decades of battling the effects of Multiple Sclerosis. Jennifer was born in Salt Lake City, Utah Aug 5, 1965 to Stephen L. Jackson and Patricia Ann Poulson in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her early childhood was spent in the East Sugarhouse area until her early teens when the family moved to Sandy. She attended Hillcrest High School where she made many lifelong friends. After graduation from high school she attended Utah State University (USU), then transferred to Brigham Young University. Shortly after transferring she felt drawn to return to USU to pursue a degree in Interior Design. She loved her college experience in Logan, Utah and often returned to visit her beautiful Cache Valley.
Upon returning she met Mitch Walker in her sociology class within the first week of the term. This led to a year and a half of dating, and they decided that they wanted to spend eternity together. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on July 8, 1986. They finished school together and soon moved back to Salt Lake. They purchased their first home and spent time remodeling it together. It was then that they were ecstatic to learn that they would soon have their first child. However, their seemingly perfect world came crashing down when Mitch was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Mitch died on Aug. 5, 1991, just short of one year after their daughter Sarah was born.
After Mitch died, Jennifer purchased a home in Taylorsville and began an extraordinary friendship with the family next door. Both families, having lost a husband and father, have shared for many, many years of close friendship and loving support. They often traveled together and visited places like Alaska, Chicago, and Jerusalem, creating lasting memories Jenn often looked back on throughout her life.
For the next 10 years Jennifer was able to continue her Interior design vocation, working mainly in facilities related to healthcare. As her MS complications became more disabling, she gave up her home and moved back with her parents in Sandy. In time and after her mother passed away it became necessary to move to a nursing care facility where she has spent the last three and a half years.
Jennifer was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all of her life and, to the extent possible due to her health problems, held many positions in the various Wards that she lived in and enjoyed attending the temple. Within her Ward families and social circles she was loved by many as she navigated her life. The way she faced the struggles of becoming a widow at a young age and the challenges that MS brought to her were an inspiration to many. Most remember her with a smile on her face and a positive quote to share.
The family would like to extend our appreciation to the staff and administration of Cascades at Riverwalk for the excellent care they have given to Jennifer during her stay there. We also thank her neurologist, Dr. Denise Skuster, and staff for their many years of taking care of Jennifer's medical needs. Your loving care and friendship has truly been a blessing to us.
Jennifer is survived by her daughter Sarah (Zac) Bringhurst; father Stephen Jackson; siblings David (Julie) Jackson and family Shantae, Andy, and Stevye; Scott (Aminta) Jackson and family Benjamin, Ella and Joseph; Cathy (Douglas) Jarman and family Alex, Parker, Anna and Ivy; Kimberly (Isaac) Melville and family Byron, Morgan, Jackson, and Owen and Jason Jackson. Also, her grandchildren Charlotte and Max Bringhurst.
She is preceded in death by her husband Mitchell Walker, mother Patricia Jackson, grandparents Bryan & Velma Jackson and Gail & Arlene Poulson.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, November 12th at the Union 4th Ward Chapel, 1834 East Creek Rd. (7830 So.) with viewing prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM. Following the service, interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Dr., SLC, Utah. A viewing will also be held Thursday, November 11th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Union 4th Ward Chapel.
To virtually attend funeral services through zoom please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86010894477
Steve, Dave, Scott, Cathy, Kim, Jason Sarah, Zac, Charlotte and Max - my deepest condolences for your loss o your daughter, sister, mother and grandmother. I am so very sorry I am unable to be there. I send my love and support. I pray you will find peace. I am grateful for your family and the memories of the fun times with my dear friend, Jenn. Summer sleepovers and board games, Yahtzee tournaments and babysitting. Running, walking to and from the bus for school, hanging out and going to movies. Later in life going to the temple, dinner and shopping. Getting into great conversations and laughing! I will miss you my dear sweet friend!! Much love to your family. Melanie
Stephen and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I bet she was a very loving, caring and talented woman.
I tended for your family in the monument park 6th ward, and loved you all so much.
May Heavenly Father wrap you all in his arms and let you know you are loved.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
We know that this mortal life is not the end and we will see our loved ones again as Resurrection morning dawns.
Christ is our Savior and Redeemer who bestowed the sealing power to our prophets to seal on earth which seals family in heaven.
Let us share this glorious message with our brothers and sisters so they too can receive these blessings.
Her example of smiling is contagious.
Dear Steven and family,
I was sorry to hear of Jennifer's passing. I will miss her sweet smile and visiting with her.
I will miss her sharing a sneak preview of the special cutting projects she was working on for friends and family. And then I will miss her telling me about her family she was so proud of you.
May you feel the healing comfort of the Lord Jesus Christ at this time.
With love and friendship,
Lorna Cline