On Thursday, August 10, 2023, Joan Whiteley Taylor Jackson passed from this life and joined the heavenly angels on the other side.
She was born on the first day of Spring, March 20, 1940, to George Whitaker Taylor and Helen Whiteley Taylor. Just like the season, her birth brought immense warmth and beauty to this world. All will miss her bright eyes, sparkling smile, and words of wisdom. With her perpetual positivity, she made simple joys magnificent and major challenges mere bumps in the road.
Joan accomplished an unusual amount during her earthly existence. She was born in Chicago and raised in Portland, Oregon. She loved her growing up years with her beloved family and spoke often of their wonderful home, opportunities such as dancing and piano lessons, singing groups, her time at Grant High School, and venturing to the Oregon Coast or to climb Mt. Hood.
Joan attended Brigham Young University where she received her degree in education. Upon graduation, she taught second grade in Salt Lake City. She was later pulled by her adventurous spirit to apply to teach overseas with the U.S. Army. While waiting on this assignment, she used her shorthand skills and fulfilled another dream of working for a congressman on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Her stories of listening to the Senate during lunch, teaching in Bad Nauheim, Germany, skiing in the Alps, and driving the autobahn are family lore to this day.
It was at a summer barbeque back in Salt Lake City that she met the love of her life, Douglas Romney Jackson. They were married on August 17, 1966 in the Salt Lake Temple. Until the day she died, she considered herself incredibly lucky and counted Doug as one of her greatest blessings.
The couple moved from Utah to New York, where they spent the next 35 years building their home and family. Joan devoted herself to creating childhoods that each of her eight children cherish dearly. She filled their home with the best of everything; the best music, the best books, and the best people (because she believed and could make anyone who entered feel that they were the best). She leaves behind many fond memories for her children like hearing her correct an F# from the kitchen during piano practice, listening to her read Mrs. Piggle Wiggle before bed, eating her homemade bread after school, waking up to an early morning bag of hot New York bagels, hearing her laughter as she talked with friends, learning how to properly clean a bathroom or make your bed, being torn between getting more sleep or joining her to catch the 11:00 p.m. episode of Cheers, seeing her show up to your game, feeling the magic of Christmas Eve and countless other dinners and gatherings, and venturing into New York City to get a hot dog and wander through the Metropolitan Museum of Art or just to Scarsdale Village to grab a slice at Vinnie’s Pizzeria.
She liked to say that she played as hard as she worked and that she worked very hard. Once her children were grown, she worked as a teacher aid in the local school district. She also served in many capacities for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She responded to any call, whether it was to teach primary or gospel doctrine, lead young women, or serve as stake Relief Society and Primary president in New York, NY. Doug and Joan also loved their time as senior missionaries in Frankfurt, Germany. Throughout her life she ministered to those around her no matter their background or circumstance.
Classy to her core, Joan savored all kinds of cultural experiences and taught her children to embrace every opportunity. She loved skiing and dark chocolate and often said she hoped heaven includes both. Her least favorite task was doing laundry in the basement, but she did return socks with a butterscotch in the toe if the kids remembered to pin them together. Joan appreciated getting her Vitamin D, whether it was sunbathing at the Scarsdale Pool on a typical summer day or on a family vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. A devoted Utah Jazz, New York Yankees, and BYU fan, she will no doubt be cheering them all on from above. Taking in the mountains, the sunset or a waving American flag brought her great joy. She also found joy in traveling with Doug on numerous occasions. Her favorite pastime by far was people; her family and friends meant the world to her.
She lived in Salt Lake City for the past 20 years and truly enjoyed this chapter of her life, especially the opportunity it gave her to be closer to extended family. She could often be found at her dance class rocking out to ABBA, walking around the track with weights in her hands while calling her children or memorizing inspirational quotes, or doling out advice and chocolate milk shakes on Ponderosa Drive.
Above all else, her faith in our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ was unshakeable. She not only believed in the restored gospel and shared that faith with her family, she embodied what it means to walk with God.
Joan was surrounded by her loving family in her final days. She is survived by her husband Doug, her children Juliane Taylor (Jeff), Jennifer Buckner (David), Jill Councill (Jay), Johnny Jackson, Laurie Gonzalez, Jeffrey Jackson (Emily), Christine Fowler (Douglas), and Stephen Jackson (Elaine), her siblings David, Kay, Diane, Mary Ann, and Suzanne, her 27 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Scott.
We love you forever Mom.
__
Services:
Thursday, 8/24
Viewing 6-8pm
Larkin Sunset Lawn
2350 E 1300 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Friday, 8/25
10:30-11:30 am Viewing
12:00pm Funeral Service
LDS Chapel
6890 Whitmore Way
Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery
For those unable to attend, services will be streamed via Zoom. Please click on the watch services link above to view.
My condolences to Joan’s family. As was written here, she really did make everyone who entered her home feel embraced and valued. And the bread! It was such a highlight of my childhood, the day I was invited to bake bread with Joan. So many great memories of growing up on Overhill Road. Reading about her full and adventurous life was such a gift. Thank you for sharing so many details. Sending love from NY, Jessica
I am so sorry for your loss.
My condolences to the family of Joan Whiteley Taylor Jackson. I will especially keep Stephen, Elaine & boys in my prayers during this most difficult time.
I'm so sorry and know that there are no words to ease the heartache.
Your mom, and your family were a 2nd home for me growing up and part of my favorite memories! My love to you all.
What a beautiful celebration of Joan's life you sweet sisters and David have written. Thank you for that. And how we did love that dear woman. She was an angel on earth, loving everyone around her and doing good wherever she could. I loved her faith and testimony of our Lord and Savior. And now she has returned to Him and other loved ones. Surely they greeted Joan with great joy.
We look forward to meeting with you all at the Services next Thursday. It will be a privilege to be there.
Love you all, Cousin Pat
It’s a privilege and blessing to have known Joan Jackson as my next door neighbor. One of the kindest people I’ve ever known. .
We are so sorry for the loss of you dear Wife and Mother. She was such a sweetheart of a lady. Our prayers are with you.
Love, Klaus and Judy
Doug, remember when Marylin and Tru gathered Craig and K Carpenter, Joan, you, Kathie and me together for dinner? Who would have thought that Kathie and Joan, among the youngest at the dinner, would be the first and third to be called home?
After Craig (one of oldest at our dinner) was recently called home, K took issue with those who had told her, “I am sorry for your loss.” At the first testimony meeting after Craig’s passing, K said that Craig was not lost. She knew where he was.
So I will say that I am sorry for your temporary absence from Joan, keeping in mind that absence can make the heart grow fonder.
This beautifully written obituary is such a testament to Joan’s precious legacy of children.
I had the privilege of being part of the Jackson clan when staying there a few summers while temping in NYC. She always made everything feel special. I remember her taking me to a quaint lunch in Scarsdale, giving me a little gift for my birthday and telling me some precious gems of wisdom
Although she had such a regal air about her, she always made everyone feel just as regal. She was stake RS president one of those summers and I remember her driving a little beat up car for the sole purpose of driving to the Bronx and not causing anyone to feel “ less than” — or worrying about it getting stolen ;). A big hug to the Jackson’s ( especially Juliane) for sharing your mom with me. She was a gift and inspiration that I too can aspire to being a classy mom of many. ❤️❤️🫅❤️❤️🌺love and hugs, Michelle
I am so sorry for your loss. Joan was a great lady. I enjoyed hearing her stories about when she taught school overseas. I also loved her spirit and testimony. She will be missed.
Love,
Haynes Family (Moray, Robyn)
I have such great memories of Sister Jackson. I loved working in primary with her. I knew that she loved the Savior by the way she treated those around her. Especially the sweet kids. When I was visiting NY, I saw her at the grocery store and she was so nice. I felt like a million bucks in her presence. Sending love and prayers to all of your family at this time.
My dear friends I am so very sorry for your loss. Joan was an amazing friend to me, I have learned so much from her about the gospel and the he teachings of our beloved brother Jesus Christ, and his love for us. I have spent many family home evenings in her home in Scarsdale. When the family moved away I was able to have seen her one time in Utah since the move. I thought of the Jackson family often. I know that Joan is with our father in heaven working very hard as she have always done here among us teaching and sharing the goodness of god. I will always hold her in my heart, because she is and was very special and beautiful within and without. My sincere condolences to her family, we all will miss seeing her among us daily, but Joan will continue to live in all of our hearts forever.
Thank all of you for sharing her with me.
I loved every word of the beautiful family memories of Joan! They made me laugh amd cry. She was delightful, happy, classy, sincere, kind, strong; she lit up a room with her warmth and smile and welcomed you into her family and into her heart with open arms. She was an inspiration to me as a young mother in The Westchester Ward and exemplified a gospel centered home in every way. I am so grateful for her amazing example in my life. Her goodness is evident in an amazing posterity who will carry her with them until they are reunited for Eternity. So much love for the Jackson Family. ♥️
We send our love and condolences. She was a regal bright lady. I loved her ability to memorize different prose and poetry. I loved her bright eyes and interest in all around her. She truly loved her family. Surly they will rise up and called her blessed. Love from Annette and Anne Marie.
We shall remember Joan as an elegant, gracious and beautiful woman.
We are very sorry for your loss.
Dear Doug and Family,
I am sorry not to have been able to make Joan's services in person but felt such warmth, strength, gratitude, inspiration and fond memories in viewing her funeral online. You children are each such a wonderful light and reflect that which you have inherited from your parents and the Lord. Magnificent. My love and hug to you, Doug, and each of you, with so much appreciation for our friendship!
Sincerely,
Steve Clayton
Joan is an elect lady. Memories from long ago during the Portland years with her family bring a tender smile to my heart.
I met Joanie when we attended college together at BYU. We formed an instant friendship, attended many activities together, belonged to the same social unit. I REMEMBER HER AS ALWAYS BEING KIND, INCLUSIVE AND AWARE OF THE NEEDS OF OTHERS. We lost touch with each other after college, but loved reading her obituary and realized that she never changed, but continued in so many incredible ways. When our family moved to Utah, we fortunately moved close to her sister, Suzanne. She has the same wonderful qualities
as Joan and I feel blessed to have had both of them in my life. Sending my love to her many loved ones and and know she will continue to bring joy.
What a beautiful young lady she was and gorgeous lady at the end of her sojourn on earth . Knowing her since our kids were15 years old and sharing the same values endear her to us . What a remarkable life. Reading her life’s journey just
Makes us love her all the more . It certainly explains how wonderful Doug and the children are and what happiness Jill in particular has added to our lives . If ever there was a Queen , mother , wife ,example and friend who “ earned her wings “ it is Joan Jackson . Thanks for the memories and for your daughter Jill . The grateful Councills , Jim and Bambi .
To Steve and the entire Jackson family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
God Bless,
Cece Berger & family
So sorry for your loss. Joan was always so friendly. She had such a beautiful smile. Will pray for comfort for you Doug and your family. It has been 14 months since Mel passed away. It is so hard to lose your companion.
Dear Doug, Julie, Jennifer, Jill, Johnny, Laurie, Jeff, Christine and Stephen,
I just finished watching the beautiful tribute to your dear wife and mother. I loved the stories you shared about her, how fun she was, how strong she was in her testimony. Joan was someone I wanted to emulate. She was such a wonderful example of a mother. I wanted to be like her. I think we each are trying to become the person our Heavenly Father wants us to be come. I believe that Joan Jackson achieved that goal in becoming the person He knew she could be. I pray that each of you will be able to walk the same path that she did and remember her love for each of you. You will miss her laughter and wisdom and love, but the pain of her loss is helped by the promise of where she is. I love you all so very much, Judy
Doug, You made us all proud with your courage to sing that wonderful hymn so beautifully. Thank you!
It was with great sadness in the Buchen family that we read the news of Joan’s death. she was a kind, loving neighbor, kind and loving not only to her children, but also to the children of others. she lived her life strong in her faith and if any of us deserve to be in heaven with all the saints, Joan will be first in line, there to receive us. While the lives of those of us on earth have become diminished, Joan will share her light in the Eternal world. our condolences to Doug and all the Jackson’s.
Mein Herz trauert, doch der Herr wird es trösten.
Mir ist es wie gestern, als Sister Jackson mit ihrem Mann und den Elders bei mir zu Tische saßen. Die wunderbaren Worte und die Zeugnisse vom Herrn Jesus Christus. Ich sehe ihre strahlende Augen und das Lächeln, das niemals von ihrem Gesicht verschwunden war. Sie wird unvergessen bleiben und tröstend weilt der Herr unter Euch. Bruder Jackson, der Herr hat Joan zu sich gerufen und er weiß, wie schwer Dein Herz schlägt. Ihr werdet Euch Wiedersehen, denn Euer Bund ist ein ewiger Bund. Gedulde Dich und bleibe den Herrn treu. In gemeinsamer, freundschaftlicher Trauer umarme ich Dich und Deinen Lieben. Der Herr ist mit Euch.
Herzlichst Schwester Harder aus Rüsselsheim in Deutschland 🤗
Just hearing the name Joan Jackson makes me smile. I loved spending time at your house and have so many fond memories. Joan always had a happy bright smile and the best ideas. I have such great memories of watching Magnum PI sitting on her bedroom floor while she ironed. Sitting at the kitchen table painting barrettes. Or listening to Carmen on the record player in the living room. I always felt so loved and welcome there. Being around Joan was heaven on earth!! And Doug always gave the best and biggest bear hugs!! He always had an equally big and bright smile when I walked in the room. I treasure my memories of the Jackson’s. I love and miss you guys! Sending lots of love to you all ❤️
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
I am so sorry to hear that Joan has passed. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. Sending hugs and condolences to the Jacksons.
I will sorely miss Joan Jackson. She was an integral part of my daily life. I enjoyed weekly visits to her home where I played with her kids and ate her yummy home made bread and meals. Joan always made me feel welcome in her home and was warm and affectionate. At one point when I needed some counsel after a health diagnosis she sat with me and we came up with a list of things to help me get through the hard times. I recently came upon the list in my Journal. I always looked to her for guidance and she was like a second Mother to me. And to many others. We had every year a Christmas program that we did for the men at The Salvation Army and Joan, her husband and many of her kids and grandchildren came and sang along with us. These were the best memories I have of her.
Dear Jackson Family
Today I learned of Joan's passing, and please accept my belated condolences. I served with Joan in the New York, NY Stake Relief Society Presidency. She placed a lot of confidence in me at my young age as a single woman at the time, and I am grateful that I can still hear her hearty laugh. She believed in me, and she gave all of her support to my ideas and plans for the women of our stake. She taught me how to be a confident, purposeful leader, and I am forever grateful to have served beside her.
~Cherlynn Blatter Thomas