Obituary of Alice M. Jackson
Alice M. Jackson
Alice Marie Jackson (nee Yates), age 91, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Willow Falls in Crest Hill. She was born in Cobden, IL on December 12, 1934, the daughter of the late Henry and Vivian (nee Garner) Yates.
A devoted member of Grace United Methodist Church in Joliet, she found community, lifelong friendships, and joy in attending services regularly with her daughter, Cathy and granddaughter, Samantha. Alice dedicated over 30 years as controller in the business office at Joliet Junior College, while earning her own degree and receiving her Associate’s Degree in Business.
Alice had a deep love for travel and was blessed to visit all 50 states at least once. She found particular joy in her annual journeys to Bonaire with her dear friends Edna and Dianne, and her every other year cruises with Joyce were among her most treasured adventures, filled with laughter, friendship, and lasting memories. When Alice wasn’t traveling, she poured her heart into crafting beautiful quilts, gifting each family member a personalized treasure—stitched with love and meant to be cherished for generations. She also found great joy in attending Samantha’s numerous dance performances over the years, even traveling to downtown Chicago throughout the past few years to watch her as she continues to pursue her love of dance.
Alice is survived by her daughter, Cathy (Don) Kazak; granddaughter Samantha Kazak; her brother, Dean Yates; sister-in-law, Kittie Yates; and special nephews, Steve (Jean) Yates of Shorewood, and Mike (Connie) Yates of Anna, IL. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald “Gene” Jackson; her parents; her sister and brother-in-law, Joan (Dick) Ellis; her brother, Larry Yates; and her sister-in-law Jo Ann Yates.
Visitation for Alice M. Jackson will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at First Baptist Church, 200 S. Walker St., Cobden, IL from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Cobden Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name to Grace United Methodist Church or the John and Yola Corradetti Scholarship Fund at Joliet Junior College.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
