Obituaries
JoAnn Dotson Jackson, 70 of Memphis,TN died on August 23, 2024 after a courageous and gracious 20 month battle with brain cancer.
She was born to Robert and Lucille Patterson Scott in 1953 and was baptized at Olivet Baptist Church on Calhoun at an early age. She was named after her Paternal Grandmother Mollie Jo and her Maternal grandmother Annie Patterson.
JoAnn graduated from SouthSide High School before studying Cosmetology at Tennessee School of Technology. She later gained her license to teach cosmetology and eventually completed a Massage Therapy course at Gould’s Academy.
After a career as an insurance underwriter for Nationwide Insurance, JoAnn made her mark in the Cosmetology industry with nearly 25 years of impact. She began her career as a stylist in the JC Penny Salon in the Mall of Memphis. She went on to become the State Board Inspector for Shelby County. After securing her Instructors License, she became a Cosmetology Educator for Plaza Beauty School where she would eventually become the Director of Operations.
She also managed several Supercuts locations including the Park Ave and Hacks Cross locations and was named Manager of the Year at the latter. She then went on to become a Senior Educator for Gould’s Academy-earning the name “Action Jackson” and often greeted staff and students by saying “Good morning sunshines!” She also cut hair part-time at SportsClips-Germantown. She retired from Gould’s Academy in December 2023.
JoAnn loved to serve her community and became a volunteer photographer for the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer division. She was an active member for many years at Olivet Baptist Church on Southern Ave and Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church on Knight Arnold where she served as an Usher, danced for the Liturgical Dance Ministry, and served as Co Leader of the December Fellowship. She loved music, was an avid foodie, and could often be found running along the river near her home in Downtown Memphis.
After her brain cancer diagnosis in January 2023-JoAnn miraculously returned to work in March 2023 and continued to work at Gould’s Academy while receiving treatment. She credited her faith in God and the support of her family, friends, and coworkers as the source of her will to fight and move forward. Her courage, joy, and strength during this time inspired many-she shared her testimony often and looked to scripture and gospel music for comfort. She is now at peaceful rest.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her mother and father and leaves to cherish her memory her only child-daughter Nicole Jackson, her partner in life-Ricky Jackson, her siblings Patrica O’Quinn, Dorothy Fentress, JB Dotson (Tequila “Peaches”), Elinor Dotson Tighe (Michael), Renee Scott McDade and a host of cousins, niece, nephews, family and longtime friends.
Events
Memorial Service Saturday at Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church 4450 Knight Arnold Road on Saturday, Sept 7th at 4pm. Colors are Red with Yellow accents.
Inurnment: Serenity Columbarium-Rotunda
Serenity of Heaven #30
Level D
Space #132
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901)379-0861
Previous Events
Memorial
7
Sep
4450 Knight Arnold Rd.
Memphis, TN 38118
Cemetery Details
Location
1622 Sycamore View Rd.
Memphis , TN 38134
