Patricia Ann Jackson

Patrica Ann (nee Kelley) Jackson, 93, died peacefully May 14, 2025, in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

She was born in Lexington, Kentucky on December 12, 1931, to Frank and Rose (Punch) Kelley. Her mom died when Patricia was at the tender age of 13. Patricia was the oldest of three girls. She was preceded in death by sisters JoEllen Tolliver and Jerry Sharp. Her dad remarried Adelaide, and she then became an older sister to a brother – Frank Kelley of Lexington. He survives, along with his wife Lona.

Not many people can say they married their childhood sweetheart, but Patricia could. She met her husband, the late James Ora Jackson (he preceded her in death on May 5, 2003) while they were in elementary school. They married on July 11th, 1953, and began what was a long and love filled adventure that included their five beloved sons. They all survive.

Patricia was a stay-at-home mom for many years and was always supportive of her husband as his career took them to many exciting places including Germany, Norfolk, Virginia, Columbus, Ohio and finally Cocoa Beach, Florida.

As her boys grew, she found time to expand her wings and work in the family restaurant business, most notably the Burger Chef that eventually became THE Jackson’s Family Restaurant on Indianola Ave in Columbus. In 1987, Pat and Jim moved to Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Patricia loved her family, and her friends. Having coffee at the GRILL & SKILLET (a local gathering spot in Columbus) was a MUST DO most days. But it was tending to her JACKSON FIVE that kept her busy for many, many years.

Patricia is survived by sons and their spouses James Ora (JO), and Patty; Michael and Connie; Steve and Stephanie; Kevin and Gene and Patrick and Kim.

Patricia was blessed with 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Patricia raised FIVE boys, and for that feat alone, she deserves a GOLD MEDAL. She will be remembered with much fondness for being an easy-going, good natured and loving lady who was quick to respond to almost any situation with “You just never know” … or “It’s always something.” AND, she was always right.

Patricia’s longevity is largely the result of eating ice cream on the regular, drinking McDonald’s coffee, good family genes, her fierce Catholic faith, and the incredible care given to her by her sons, most especially Kevin and Gene. The three of them lived together for many years and there were no better caregivers for her than Kevin and Gene.

There will be a funeral mass for her on August 31th, at 1PM St. Peter’s Church in Lexington, KY. The church address is 145 Barr St., Lexington. A Celebration of Life service to honor Patricia Jackson will be held at Our Saviour’s Catholic Church Cocoa Beach FL. Date to be announced.

Memorial contributions can be made to your local St. Vincet DePaul Society.