Elaine K. (Brown) Jackson, 83, passed away peacefully in Independence, Mo., on May 21, 2025. Elaine was born to Dean and Dorothy Brown on December 5, 1941, and raised in Paradise, Kan. She graduated in 1959 from Paradise High School before attending Fort Hays State University where she met her husband of 64 years, Jere W. Jackson of Barnard, Kan. The couple settled in Independence, Mo., in 1960 where they built a wonderful life full of family and lifelong friendships in their neighborhood on 45th Street and as active members at Christ United Methodist Church.
Elaine worked as the personal secretary to William Clarkson, CEO of Clarkson Construction for many years until she opened her private piano studio in the late 1970s. Elaine was most well-known for her love of music. She was an incredibly talented pianist, and shared her gift with students, her church, and her community. She was the organist and accompanist for Christ United Methodist Church, where she served and worshiped for more than 50 years. She worked with the Chancel Choir, various soloists, and the men’s quartet, bringing beauty through music to each church service. Elaine was also the accompanist for the William Chrisman High School choirs playing for both large and small ensembles, musicals, and solo musicians for many years. She was active in assorted music organizations such as Federated Music Teachers, helping to organize festivals for young musicians to hone their talents and compete, and Multiple Piano, serving as both a coach and participant many times through the years. She played for innumerable weddings, bringing music to people’s lives as they began a new chapter; and innumerable funerals, giving comfort through music to those saying goodbye to loved ones. Her favorite thing, however, was teaching piano lessons. Elaine did more than just teach music to countless students over the years, she changed the lives of each and every student.
Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Jere, and her parents.
She leaves behind daughters, Lori Grubb (Jeffrey) and Jennifer Garrett (Tracy); three grandsons, Jason Grubb (Alexis), Justin Grubb and Grant Garrett; four great-grandchildren; brother, Myron Brown (Shirley); sister, Marilyn Bandy (Ron); four nieces and one nephew and their families, and countless friends and family.
The visitation will be held at Christ United Methodist Church in Independence on Saturday, May 31, 2025 beginning at 10 a.m., with the funeral to follow at noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Christ United Methodist Church. In addition, the family would like to thank Luminos Hospice, Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, and the home health caregivers who cared for both Elaine and Jere during the past year.
