Terri R. Jackson, 50, of Springfield, left us to celebrate her life on February 20, 2008. Terri, T.J., or TiTi, was born on April 7, 1957, the day before her mother's birthday and throughout her life continued to be a gift to everyone she encountered.
She was born and raised in Springfield, the thirds of six children of George and Ruth Jackson. Terri was a graduate of Southeast High School, received her Bachelor's degree from Sangamon State University and was enrolled in the graduate program at the University of Illinois at Springfield (formally Sangamon State University).
TiTi's greatest joy was her son, Damien E. Jackson, followed closely by her enthusiasm for her grandchildren, CiCi, Cam and Harmonee.
She was committed to her career with the University of Illinois at Springfield where she served as Director of Multicultural Student Affairs. T.J. viewed her students and the staff as truly a second family.
Her love and devotion spilled over into her activism in the community. Terri shared her talents with both local and national organizations, including: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Springfield Human Rights Commission, Springfield Urban League, the Springfield Chapter of NAACP and the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Minority Services. She was founding member of Community Working Together for a Cure and of Women United and was appointed by Governor Rod Blagojevich to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. Terri was a member of Monroe Street Christian Church.
The Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will greatly miss Terri.
