Dr. Deborah Reneé Jackson peacefully went home to be with our Heavenly Father on

Wednesday, December 24, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family, following a courageous

year-long battle with cancer.

Deborah was born on September 14, 1954, in Washington, D.C., at Freedmen's Hospital.

She was the sixth child of the late Leroy Jennings, Sr. and Della Mae Jennings. Raised in

Washington, D.C., she graduated from St. Cecilia's Academy in 1972.

Her Christian journey began early in life when she was baptized at First Baptist Church of

Marshall Heights in Washington, D.C.—a family church founded by her uncle, the Reverend

William Tyler. Rev. Tyler later o iciated Deborah's marriage to Henry G. Jackson on January

29, 1977. Their loving union of 48 years was blessed with three children: Kelley Reneé,

Justin Henry, and Brandon Lee

Deborah remained deeply involved in the church for more than three decades, co-leading

Vacation Bible School, participating in the William Tyler Gospel Choir, and serving in

numerous leadership and service roles. She later stepped down from formal leadership

while caring for her mother. In time, Deborah started worshiping closer to home and joined

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in 2012. Deborah served as a greeter with the Nurturing

Ministry, was active in the Women's Ministry, sang in the Women of Praise Choir, and

combined her faith and passion for education as a member of the Mount Pleasant

Academy Board.

A lifelong lover of learning, Deborah pursued higher education with distinction, earning a

Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Frostburg State University in 1976, a

Master of Business Administration from Southeastern University, and a Doctorate of

Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Virginia Polytechnic Institute

and State University.

Education continued to be Deborah's life's calling. She began her professional career at

Gallaudet University before joining Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), where her

unwavering commitment to equitable, high-quality public education defined her legacy.

Over the course of her distinguished career, she served as a secondary school history and

social studies teacher. She later held leadership positions as Assistant Principal at Holmes

Middle School (1996–1998) and Annandale High School (1998–2000), Principal of Hughes

Middle School (2000–2007), and award-winning Principal of McLean High School (2007–

2015). She retired in 2016 as Assistant Director for Curriculum Development for FCPS,

where she designed a teacher evaluation program centered on student performance.

Deborah was known for improving academic achievement and graduation rates, while

always insisting students felt supported, challenged, and inspired to excel. Her work wasrecognized through numerous honors, including the Fairfax County Public Schools

Outstanding Leader Award, the Fairfax Association of Black School Educators Making a

Di erence Award, Phi Delta Kappa Educator of the Year, and recognition by local and

regional civic organizations for her contributions to education. Retirement did not slow her

passion for education; she served as an Adjunct Professor in Educational Administration at

the University of Virginia and became a coach with the Center for Strategic Leadership &

Organizational Coherence, mentoring K–12 educational administrators.

Deborah was deeply committed to community service throughout her life. While at

Frostburg State University, she was a member of "Sisters in the Struggle," an interest group

instrumental in establishing a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She and her five

line sisters were inducted in May 1976 at West Virginia University and later founded the

Lambda Epsilon Chapter. In continued service, Deborah joined the Lambda Kappa Omega

Chapter in 2012 and served as Secretary of the Educational and Charitable Foundation. A

Golden Soror, she proudly dedicated 50 years to sisterhood and leadership.

Deborah was a dedicated civic, educational, and community leader whose service

touched lives locally and globally. A committed member of the McLean Rotary Club, she

served as President from 2019 to 2020 and previously led the club to record membership

growth. She also served Rotary District 7610 in numerous leadership roles, including Club

Membership Chair, Assistant District Governor, and District Learning Facilitator. A proud

member of the Paul Harris Society, she also co-hosted the Rotary Times television show,

reflecting her deep commitment to Rotary's humanitarian mission.

Deborah's passion for education was evident through her leadership with Learning Forward

International, where she served as President of the Board of Trustees, and with the

Learning Forward Foundation, where she served as President and later as a Boardmember,

advancing professional learning, equity, and school improvement worldwide.

She was deeply devoted to the Northern Virginia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.,

serving in various chapter roles. Her commitment to youth development and family

engagement was recognized when she received the Distinguished Mother of the Year award

in 1996. After her children graduated, she continued her support to the organization as a

Life-long Associate Member.

From 2018 to 2024, Deborah was also a devoted member of the Business and Professional

Women's Club of Northern Virginia, a ectionately known as "Dr. Deb," serving in multiple

leadership roles and receiving the NANBPWC National Community Service Award in 2021.

Her advocacy extended to global women's rights through recognition by the Global Woman

P.E.A.C.E. Foundation and participation in the Walk to End FGM in Washington, D.C.Those who knew Deborah remember her as a joyful, brilliant, and compassionate leader

whose strength, warmth, and intellect uplifted everyone around her. Her legacy endures in

the countless lives she touched and in the lasting good she brought to her community and

the world.

As the matriarch of her family, Debbie never allowed her busy schedule to overshadow her

greatest priority—family. From sporting events and award ceremonies to performances and

milestones, she was always present as her family's number-one cheerleader. She proudly

led the family's most recent reunion, bringing together multiple generations to reconnect

with both their roots and their future. As the family ambassador, Debbie stayed in close

touch with loved ones and ensured everyone remained connected. She also embraced life

fully and loved to travel, visiting destinations throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Costa

Rica, Canada, and Australia.

Deborah leaves a cherished legacy to her supportive husband, Henry Jackson; her loving

daughter, Kelley Jackson (Christopher); her beloved sons, Justin Jackson (Jeanna) and

Brandon Jackson; seven treasured grandchildren—Kristal Cherry, Ella Jackson, Jackson

Cherry, Ariana Cherry, Joshua Jackson, Aiden Cherry, and Jonathan Jackson; three

treasured great-grandchildren, Kash, Kaiden, and Khari; her faithful companion, her dog,

The Deuce; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends. She was

preceded in death by her sister, Leona J. Settles, and her brothers James Jennings, Robert

Jennings, Sr., Leroy Jennings, Jr., and David Jennings.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Deborah's memory to INOVA Schar

Cancer Institute at join.inova.org/tribute or to the Sarcoma Foundation of America at

curesarcoma.org.