Judith Ann (Lee) Jackson passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, on September 12, 2026, and was welcomed home by her Lord. She was 86 years old.

Judy was born in Seattle on January 20, 1940, to Edward “E.B.” and Elsie (Roe) Lee. The family moved to Waitsburg, Washington, in 1952. Judy’s mother owned and operated Elsie’s Café, where Judy worked after school and on weekends. Her father owned and operated Lee’s Barbershop.

Judy met the love of her life, Don Jackson of Starbuck, Washington, at the 1957 New Year’s Eve Dance at the Waitsburg Town Hall. She graduated from Waitsburg High School in 1958. Judy and Don were married on July 19, 1958, at the Waitsburg Christian Church. The couple settled in Starbuck, where she relished being Don’s partner as they shared a life of farming and ranching. Together, they raised their seven children and fostered more than 40 children over the years.

Judy pointed to 1962 as the pivotal year in which she became a Christian. Her abiding faith was the foundation of everything she did. Judy was a member of Starbuck Community Church for 64 years. She lived out her faith in many ways, including teaching Sunday school, leading youth groups, serving as a Christian camp counselor and Vacation Bible School teacher, leading child evangelism groups and Bible studies, serving on the church board, playing the piano during church services, and providing counseling. More than 60 years ago, Judy was instrumental in establishing the local Christian Women’s Connection through Stonecroft Ministries and later served as its Area Representative. She worked tirelessly to invite women to participate in the monthly luncheons and share the message of Jesus.

Judy also served on the local fire department and as an EMT. She thoroughly enjoyed creating a beautiful yard where she hosted numerous events. She worked as a fish counter at Lower Monumental Dam and Little Goose Dam for 10 years. Judy loved hunting alongside Don, their family, and friends. Don was especially proud of Judy’s six-point elk and often noted that she never used a scope, relying only on the open sights on her trusted .243-caliber rifle.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Bryan and Elsie Lee; her sister, Gwendolyn Cook; and her brothers, Edward Bryan Lee II and Daniel L. Huntley.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Don Jackson; their children, Vicki Jackson, Cindy Jackson, Richard Jackson (Debby), Don Jackson (Jennifer), Scott Jackson, Matthew Jackson, and Mark Jackson; her brother, Richard Lee (Yvonne); her sister-in-law, Kay Hickey (Jerolee); 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Starbuck Elementary School on October 3, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. Judy loved children and was deeply committed to the mission of Operation Christmas Child. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Starbuck Community Church, P.O. Box 277, Starbuck, WA 99359, with “Operation Christmas Child” written in the memo line. The family also wishes to thank Walla Walla Community Hospice for its compassionate care of Judy and her family.