Mrs. Constance L. (Killian) Jackson

Constance Madison Jackson departed this life on June 12, 2025, in Wesley Chapel, Florida. She was born on September 18, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio, and was the proud daughter of Lily and Major Madison; and the loving sister of Kent Madison, who have all preceded her in death. Constance was also preceded in death by her former husband, Walter Killian, with whom she shared two children, Karen and Keith Killian. From a young age, she exhibited a passion for learning, and a love for people, and defining her life’s purpose and career. Constance, fondly known as “Connie,” was a 1956 graduate of Glenville High School. She continued her education at Kent State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1961. She later received a full scholarship to Case Western Reserve University, where she received a Master’s Degree in Education.  Connie was a dedicated educator in the Cleveland Public School District for over 30 years. She began her career as a teacher at Miles Standish and Woodland Hills Elementary Schools. She later served as a Reading Resource Consultant, where she guided teachers in implementing effective classroom reading strategies. Connie concluded her distinguished career as principal of Garfield Elementary, where she upheld high standards for her teachers, constantly reminding them of their shared purpose, the children. She was a mentor, a role model, and an unwavering advocate for young minds.  A proud Gold member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Connie exemplified over 50 years of dedicated service, rooted in grace, loyalty, and sisterhood. Her work with the sorority reflected her lifelong commitment to community and her passion for uplifting others, especially young women. Family was at the center of everything Connie did.  She was the heart of her family, the one who kept generations connected. In her free time, she enjoyed reading mystery novels, rediscovered her love for crocheting, and delighted loved ones with homemade bread and cookies. Connie’s deep faith and love of music were ever present. In her early years, she sang in the choir at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Later, she took up piano as a hobby and purchased a small organ to practice at home, often teasing friends with invitations to her “required” recital performances.  After retiring from the Cleveland Public School District, Connie lived in North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida, forming meaningful relationships everywhere she went. In Wesley Chapel, she found joy and community through her YWCA Silver Sneakers classes and cherished the friendships that blossomed there. A devoted member of Carmel Friendship Church, she served as an usher and remained actively involved by welcoming new members, even when health challenges limited her attendance. Her warmth and generosity left an indelible mark on every life she touched.  Connie leaves behind her beloved husband, Joe Jackson, and his children, Kevin Jackson and Michelle Jackson. She is also survived by her loving children, who were dear to her heart: daughter, Karen Killian of Wesley Chapel, Florida, and son Keith (Kelly) Killian of Gastonia, North Carolina, along with her cherished grandsons, David and Kevin Killian. She is further survived by her devoted brother, Dennis Banks (Elaine) of Cleveland, Ohio; nieces, Stacey Banks-Houston of Nashville, Tennessee, and  Jasmine Madison of Chantilly, Virginia; nephew, Jason Madison of Tallahassee, Florida; great-niece, Michelle Trent; and great-nephews, Ronald and Justin Houston. Connie’s memories will also be cherished by a host of other family and friends. Her legacy of love, strength, and wisdom will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.  

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