Anna Belle Clair Jackson was born in Stratton, Colorado, to Walter and Gladys Beattie Clair on September 1, 1934. The family moved to Oregon, settling in Philomath when she was 9 months old. She graduated from Philomath High School in 1952.
After graduating from Oregon College of Education (Western Oregon University) in Monmouth in 1956, Anna began her teaching career in Oakridge. There she met William T. Jackson, and they were married in 1961. Bill passed away in 1977.
In 1960 Anna moved to Eugene and began 32 years of teaching in the Bethel district. Although she taught all primary grades, she particularly enjoyed teaching first grade where she spent 20 years lovingly launching children into their academic careers. In 1967 she was asked to join ADK, an honorary sorority for women educators, serving as state president from 1990-1992.
Anna retired from teaching in 1992 and then began her “second career” as an avid world traveler! Her adventurous spirit led her to 47 states and many countries. She especially loved reconnecting with numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles at the biennial Clair family reunions in eastern Colorado but returned home after each trip thankful that her family had chosen to live in western Oregon. She loved exploring Oregon too, especially along the Oregon coast.
Besides travel, Anna enjoyed photography, all kinds of needlework, flower gardening, reading and collecting countless “treasures.” She also spent her entire adult life being the best “Auntie” possible to her 8 nieces and nephews, 8 great nieces and 10 great-great nieces and nephews. She would often bring books, craft projects and of course, her unique and quirky sense of humor, to our family gatherings. She encouraged us to read, leaving several of us with lifelong book addictions.
In 2005, Anna returned to Philomath, moving next door to the house where she grew up, which is still occupied by family.
Survivors include a brother, Robert of Albany; sister, Bonita of Corvallis; and four nieces and four nephews, and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bill, and brother, Melvin.
Anna passed away on March 4, 2024. There is a graveside memorial service at Twin Oaks Cemetery on Saturday May 4 at 11 a.m., followed by a casual no-host gathering at Woodstock’s Pizza in Corvallis.