Dr. Georgia Frances Van Adestine (Jackson)

Van Adestine (Jackson), Dr. Georgia Frances

Of Jackson, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on July 31, 2024.  She was 86.

Georgia is survived by her husband of 64 years, Roger; daughter Melissa Kidd (Michael) and son Stephen; grandchildren Megan, Michael and Skylar, sisters Ruth Zentera (Ed) and Linda Fierce, and many beloved cousins and extended family.  Georgia was preceded in death by her parents, George and Stephanie Jackson, and very special brother-in-law, John Fierce.

Georgia was born on April 28, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois to George and Stephanie Jackson.  Georgia was the eldest of three, and adored her younger sisters Ruth and Linda.  The daughter of an auto worker in south Chicago, Georgia grew up in Riverdale, and later attended the University of Illinois where she would meet her husband Roger, and they married on February 28, 1960.  They were married for 64 wonderful years, and after spending their early years in Massachusetts while Roger served in the military, they settled in Jackson and raised their two children, Melissa and Stephen.

Georgia's passion was education.  Starting with teaching fifth grade in Brooklyn, Michigan, Georgia would advance her career to gain her Master's Degree from Michigan State University, and later her doctoral degree in Education Administration from Western Michigan University.  Her talent for leadership and dedication to education would lead her to her work with the Michigan legislature, as Education Policy Advisor to Gov. John Engler.  She would later serve as President on the Jackson School Board of Education.

In retirement, she enjoyed spending time at the family's lake cabin in Traverse City. She was also a woman of strong faith and closely involved with the Catholic church, serving as a Eucharistic minister and lay reader.

Georgia is at the Desnoyer Funeral Home where a Prayer Service will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 10:00 AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church at 10:30 AM with Father Robert Pienta officiating.  Interment will follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, August 4 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Vincent dePaul Society or Queen's Parish would be appreciated.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 134 Years