Frances Kathlyn Jackson

Frances Kathlyn (Banks) Jackson was born on November 8, 1950 in Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated in 1969 from Van Meter High School. She started working at Bankers Life in Des Moines, Iowa as an accounting clerk. Shortly after, she had her first child, Michael Todd Banks on November 6, 1970. In 1973, she moved to Omaha, and her son, James Jr., was born in July of 1976. While living there, she attended Metro Tech Community College and achieved her certificate for Licensed Practical Nursing in 1979. Fran loved being a nurse, especially caring for the elderly.

Fran moved back to Des Moines, and in July of 1980, her son, Shane, was born. She worked at three different nursing homes for 10 years. During this time, her son, Lance, was born on October 28, 1983, and her daughter, Ashley, was born on December 27, 1985.

For the last 20 years of her career, she took care of veterans at the Des Moines VA Hospital, retiring in 2010. Afterwards, she became her son’s personal caregiver after his accident.

Fran will always be remembered for her love of gardening, watching football, walking outside, and shopping. She remained faithful throughout her life, and enjoyed attending church. Her family also remembers her love for Pepsi, Hot Dogs, and putting butter on everything. Most importantly, Fran enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Fran adored her family, and she would not miss a family gathering. She will be deeply missed by them.

Fran leaves to cherish her memories five children, Michael T. Banks, James W. Jackson Jr., Shane A. Jackson, Lance P. Jackson, and Ashley M. Howelton; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four sisters, Diana, Jennie, Tricia, and Sherry; numerous nieces and nephews; and loads of friends and church family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Rose and Leslie McGee; the love of her life, Lee Roy Bell; her children’s fathers, Jack Mitchell, James Jackson Sr., and Ronald Howelton; her grandparents; and her aunts and uncles.

If you would like to watch Fran's service, you may click the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkaf3NqI6eU