Josephine Mae Jackson, 82, of Ottumwa, died at 12:14 a.m. January 7, 2026 at her home.
She was born February 4, 1943, in Winfield to William Everett and Alice Marie Martin Phillips. She married Mark Jackson September 4, 1987.
Jo was a 1961 graduate of Ottumwa High School and attended Indian Hills Community College. She was a CNA and had worked at Good Samaritan Center at the Air Base, Good Samaritan Nursing and Rehab on Chester, Sunnyslope, ResCare in Ottumwa and for Ottumwa Regional Health Center in housekeeping.
Jo was previously a member of Way of Peace Ministries.
She enjoyed watching wildlife, especially birds, being on the river, drag racing and listening to her wind chimes. Jo loved spending time with her family and friends.
Surviving is her husband, Mark; and her children, Lorri Jo (Gene) Brown of Keosauqua and Wesley (Tami) Fenton of Ottumwa; 4 grandchildren, Kate (Thadd) Roush, Dalton Davisson, Brady Fenton and Max McKee; 5 great grandchildren, Cooper, Cameron, Jude, Layken and Jagger; and a brother, Mike Maxwell of Newton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; foster parents, Clarence and Icel Scott; a sister, Nellie McCarty; a brother, Everett Phillips; and a half-brother, Dick Conklin.
Her body has been cremated and no services are planned at this time.
Reece Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
