Ms. Kai Marie Jackson

On November 8, 1957 Donald and N. Marie Jackson were blessed with their first and only daughter Kai Marie Jackson. Kai and her four brothers that followed, moved from her hometown Quincy, IL to Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1960. She told many stories of growing up with her four brothers and visits with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. Her Northside community would be her inspiration to uplift the power of friendship, fellowship and family. She gave her life to Christ in 1970 at Mt Zion Baptist Church where she was still an active member. Kai, a born leader, participated in many school related activities and enjoyed social events at Kalamazoo Central High School. As a Michigan State University Alumni, she loved MSU football. She graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice, a minor in English, and she continued to keep in contact with the friends she made in school. Kai had one daughter and began her career working in early childhood education at Northeastern Elementary School as a Home-School Interventionists, working at Lakeside in the summers. She worked at other area schools as well as training and attending nationwide conferences. Later she developed and directed Edison’s school-based health center where she developed as a grant writer. From there she moved to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Atlanta GA always bringing her “can do” attitude and insight for children’s needs to each position she filled. She created several school and church programs for children and teenagers throughout the years working with directors, principals, specialists and teachers. Kai returned to Kalamazoo 11 years ago and worked at Milwood Middle School which would be her last school. She had a positive impact on everyone she came in contact with. Kai enjoyed spending time with her mother, traveling with her grandchildren and visiting her extended family. She loved the Lord and spent much of her time testifying to young people about developing spiritually. She dedicated her life to being an advocate for children and families that were dealing with hardship, mental health and poverty. She was designed to be an answer to earthly issues. She walked upright in her purpose and now will be rewarded for her love, hard work, faith and dedication. Giving honor to her late father Donald Jackson, grandparents: the Jackson’s and Clark’s, and brother Kerry Jackson. Kai is survived by her mother N. Marie Jackson; daughter Kaii Thomas and son-in-law Jason Thomas; her grandchildren, Khalil and Kaylana Jones; her brothers and sisters-in-law Kimberly, Bevelyn, Kendall, Carol, Kent and Sandra Jackson. Though Kai Marie Jackson will be missed in physical presence, her wisdom and spirit will live on in our hearts …Kai you will wear a crown!

Ms. Kai Marie Jackson

November 8, 1957 - July 2, 2019