Nina Thiem Jackson

Nina Thiem Jackson was born in Raleigh on July 27, 1943 to Evelyn and Maurice “Hefty” Thiem. Except for a year in Richmond, VA as newlyweds, Nina lived in Raleigh her whole life. She attended Myrtle Underwood Elementary School, Josephus Daniels Junior High and Needham Broughton High School. She graduated from St. Mary’s College in 1963. She married Ira J. “Jerry” Jackson III from Middleburg, NC on April 1, 1967 at Edenton Street Methodist Church and died at home on April 9, 2025 holding Jerry’s hand. Nina and Jerry created a beautiful life together full of love, travel, art, great humor, their children and most recently their four grandchildren. Nina was a member and former member of many groups and communities including the Junior League of Raleigh, Oak Leaf Book Club, Capital City Garden Club and her beloved canasta group.

Nina is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jerry, her son Ira J. “Jay” Jackson IV (m. Jenny), her daughter Nina Lane Lenzi (m. Jay), and her four beautiful grandchildren, Payton Thiem, Nola Rose, Evelyn Mabry, and Sydney Purcell. She is also survived by her sisters Lyn Andrews (Chip) and Deede Deibel (Stuart), and her sisters in law Joann Warner (Charlie) and Dr. Jean Jackson. She leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, god-children, too many wonderful friends to name, and darling Zita.

Friends and family alike have shared comments as testimony to how truly special she was in the lives of others.

“One of the coolest people we ever knew. We loved and respected her.”

“Always went full blast with intelligence, hard work, many good questions, and real concern for others.”

“Beautiful. A great gift to us all.”

“We miss her smile and wisdom. Such a trooper.”

“A privilege to know her funny and beautiful spirit.”

“A bright light in this world. An angel on earth.”

“Playful, unique eye rolls!”

“My safe haven for years.”

“Authentic. Charming. Witty. Selfless.”

“One of the great first ladies of FMI.”

“Couldn’t have asked for a better MiL.”

“Wonderful friend and confidant. Straight shooter.”

“A very special person. We will love and miss her forever.”

The family would like to thank Stella Siko and Stacy Carver for their love and friendship these many months. For now, let’s remember Nina in all she leaves behind – her love of color and art, her love of her family, her love for canasta, the mountains, lemons, and jigsaw puzzles. She is gone too soon for us, but she is free and existing in vivid color.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Multiple Myeloma Foundation, Breakthrough T1D Foundation, or the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held for all who loved her on June 7, 2025, 5 PM – 7 PM, at the Gregg Museum of Art and Design, 1903 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh. Friends are encouraged to share the invitation with anyone who knew and loved Nina.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh is serving the Jackson family.