Memorial Service Live Stream:
Events
The Memorial Service will take place on Monday, January 27, 2025 starting 11:00AM EST at the Armour J. Blackburn University Center, Howard University, located at 2397 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20059. For those unable to attend the service in-person, you can participate remotely by viewing the live stream of the service (please scroll up to see the video).
Order of Service
Obituary
Jane Jackson Harley, a pioneering educator who dedicated her life to guiding, counseling, and mentoring others graced us all with her presence for 88 years. On December 13, 2024, Jane passed away after having lived a full life. Born on September 4, 1936, to Claudia ”Dimps” Parrat and Harold “Hal” Jackson, Jane was a Daddy’s Girl. Hal and Julia (Hawkins) Jackson married and raised Jane, along with her brother Harold “Jackie” Jackson and sister Jewel Jackson McCabe, to believe that anything is possible with hard work, education, and dedication. And, that is how Jane lived her life; even, trying to work on projects to the very end.
Jane was a native Washingtonian, having graduated from Dunbar High School and received her degree from DC Teachers College (now Howard University). She also obtained her Master’s in Education from George Washington University. She instilled the importance of education in her three sons whom she shared with Eugene Harley, Sr – Eugene (Gene) Jr., Edmund, and Eric.
During her career as an educator, Jane established the extended-day school program in Washington, D.C., while serving as a counselor at the historic Stevens Elementary School. Jane applied her teaching skills in following in her father’s footsteps by working with talent in the entertainment industry. She fostered the development of talent in individuals of all ages, many of whom are now famous Washington native artists, through her work with Hal Jackson Talented Teens, her own company Kemet Productions, and as talent coordinator at the Apollo Theater and Showtime at the Apollo. She leaves a legacy in teaching and music of which her father would be proud.
Jane was preceded in death by her adoring father Harold “Hal” B. Jackson, loving mother Julia Hawkins Jackson, and her brother Harold “Jackie” B Jackson, Jr. She is survived by a sister, Jewell Jackson McCabe; three sons, and their wives, Gene & Ja’Vonne, Edmund, and Eric & Johnine; five grandchildren – Edmund Jr, Jason, Desmond, Jonathan, Paige, and Eric (Lil’); one great-grandchild, Olivia; a host of nieces and nephews and precious friends.
As we remember Jane, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. The family thank you for your love and support during this time.