Published on February 2, 2026 2:57 pm
Last Updated on February 2, 2026 4:47 pm
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Marjorie Jane (Catey) Jackson, 83 years old, and a lifelong resident of Greenup, IL, passed away on Friday, January 30th , 2026, at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, IL.
Marje was born on September 22 nd , 1942, to John and Irma (Hubbart) Catey and grew up on the family farm just north of town- a place that she would revere and think upon fondly throughout her lifetime. At an early age, she was raised there alongside her brother Henry until a tragic fire burned the original Catey farm homestead and forced the family to move into town. There, Marje attended Greenup Grade School and then Cumberland High School where she met the love of her life and eventual husband for over 58 years, Jerry Dean Jackson. Marje and Jerry were married in November of 1961 while she attended Eastern Illinois University, where she would earn her degree in Education, leading to a lifelong career as a teacher. Marje was fiercely loyal to her community, starting with her commitment to the Cumberland school district, where she began her career and remarkably remained through retirement. Throughout, Marje was viewed by students, parents, fellow teachers, and administrators as the consummate teaching professional and beyond her commitment to classroom teaching, over her tenure she at various times also sponsored and led the school newspaper, yearbook, drama club, and coached softball. Beyond her established teaching prowess, Marje was also a proud leader in shaping Cumberland education, having served multiple stints/terms as a representative of the local teacher’s union and then later as a school board member. Throughout Marje and Jerry’s marriage, their four sons (Kit, Jason, Nathan, and Brandon) were their focus and their joy, supporting them in all their interests and endeavors. Most notably, this included each of the boys’ athletic pursuits, where Marje was their biggest supporter, and always the most ardent fan there at the event. Marje’s competitive and sporting nature extended beyond her sons’ athletic careers, as she played softball as an adult, loved poker nights with friends, dancing with Jerry at EL Krackers, was an avid scrabble player, and a loyal supporter of University of Illinois athletics, along with the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Cubs. At numerous times, Marje demonstrated amazing strength as part of her complete and absolute devotion to her family. This included the tragic loss of her son, Jason in 1989 while he was attending SIU Carbondale, in addition to her commitment to caring for her mother, Irma in her later years, as well as her brother, Henry. Marje also absolutely adored being a grandmother and great grandmother, and
was very active in each of her grandkids’ lives that included five girls- Courtney (Kaitlyn)/Cheyene (Kit), Sophia/Catey (Nate), and Olivia (Brandon) along with two boys-Jason (Brandon) and great grandson, Bleu.
Preceding Marje in death were her parents, husband, son, and her daughter-in-law, Kristin who she adored.
She is survived by her sons, Kit (Robin) of Hidalgo, IL, Nathan of Franklin, TN, Brandon (Rebecca) of Greenup, IL, in addition to all of her grandchildren, brother, Henry Catey of Greenup, IL, and beloved sister-in-law, Carol Ann Jackson.
Marje’s steadfast devotion and dedication to her family, friends, and community, and the strength by which she loyally supported all of these, will be terribly missed and fondly remembered by all those who knew her.
Visitation will be held at the Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup, IL on Wednesday, February 18th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19th , followed by a graveside service at the Greenup Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marje’s name to the Greenup United Methodist Church where she was an active member.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com