Obituary: Jean Jackson Johnson - Class of 1934

MADISON - Jeanne Jackson Johnson, age 88, of Madison, died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005, at her home. She was born Sept. 16, 1916, in Madison, the daughter of Dr. James A. and Lillian (Doster) Jackson. Jeanne married Samuel H. Nichols in 1936, and moved to Oak Park, Ill., where they had two children, Stephen H. and Joanne. She later married Daniel S. Johnson in New York City. She spent most of the remainder of her life in New York City and Southampton, N.Y., until moving back to Madison several years ago to be with family. As the daughter of one of the founding members of the Jackson Clinic, Jeanne spent many idyllic years as a child in Madison. She was best known for her joie de vivre and adventurous spirit. Jeanne attended Madisons Central High but graduated from Monticello High in Illinois. She also attended the University of Wisconsin. In 1954, Jeanne moved to New York City, where she was a style consultant for Bergdorf Goodmans. With her husband, Dan, they traveled the world as part of his duties as the Chairman International of the Lawn Tennis Association. Upon their retirement, they lived in Southampton, N.Y., where she worked with organizations such as the Fresh Air Home for physically challenged children, and the Parrish Art Museum. Jeanne most enjoyed the ocean, needle point, reading, playing cards, working puzzles, telling stories and spending time with family and friends. She was a stylish decorator and entertainer, and was a witty conversationalist. She also had a very tender heart for children. Survivors include her two children, Dr. Stephen H. (Mary) Nichols of Salt Lake City, Utah and Joanne Penny (Greg) Vodak of Stoughton; four grandchildren; Liz Nichols (Ed) Karr of Aurora, Col., Andrew H. Nichols of Cambridge, Mass., Deborah (Tom) Still, Madison and Sarah Sennott, Middleton; great-grandson and light of her life, Samuel McKinley Still; two sisters, Claire (the late Bo) Kemp and Ann (Don) Pilcher; sister-in-law and true friend, Margaret Anne Marmie (Dr. Robert D.) Jackson; and many Jackson nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; and parents; two brothers, James Albert II and Dr. Robert D.; grandson, David A. Nichols, and Mary (Bob) Jackson. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2005, at the MADISON CLUB, 5 East Wilson, Madison. A private service will be held later this spring at St. Andrews Dune Church in Southampton, N.Y. Memorials can be made to HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, Wis., 53719. Jeanne will be greatly missed by her family and all those who knew and loved her. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434.

Originally pubished in the Wisconsin State Journal on January 24, 2005

Note: Jean Jackson Johnson is listed as a member of the Class of 1934 in the 35th reunion booklet published by that class. While she may not be a Central graduate, she is definitely an alumna.