MURIEL HOWELL JACKSON

Muriel "Cookie" Howell Jackson was born on November 9, 1947, in Washington, DC, to the late Marvell Montague Howell and Freddie Howell. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved stepfather, Jack Salley. Muriel departed this life unexpectedly on March 21, 2026, at her home in Forestville, Maryland. Cookie grew up in the Trinidad neighborhood of Northeast Washington, DC, where she attended Eastern High School. After graduating, she continued her education at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, where she earned her Bachelor's degree. During her early adult years, Cookie joined the illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, remaining a proud and active member for many years. Her commitment to sisterhood and service was evident throughout her life. In 1979, she married the love of her life Nathaniel "Butch" Jackson. They lived in bliss for 39 years. He predeceased her in 2018. Although no children were born from this union, Cookie embraced her role as a devoted stepmother to Rockne, Shirley, and Pressley, whom she admired and respected deeply. Cookie dedicated her professional life to education, spending the majority of her career at Thomson Elementary School as a passionate and impactful fifth-grade teacher. She touched countless lives through her dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence in the classroom. Among her many honors, she received the Superintendent's Special Commendation from 1983 to 1985 and was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 1995 by The Washington Post. Her passion for education extended beyond the classroom, as she frequently collaborated with organizations such as National Geographic and NASA to provide enriching learning experiences for her students. A faithful servant of God, Cookie was an active member of Mount Calvary Catholic Church, where she sang in the gospel choir and contributed her time and talents in service to the church. She lived a life rooted in humility, faithfulness, and stewardship, always seeking to serve others and glorify God through her actions. Muriel "Cookie" Jackson was known for her loving and caring spirit. She not only cherished her family but also extended her compassion to relatives and others beyond her immediate circle. She leaves to cherish her stepchildren: Rockne Jackson, Pastor Shirley (Michael) Battle, and Pressley Calhoun whom blessed her with 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; a host of loving family members, including her aunts Gloria Queen and Doreen Crowell; cousins Tyrone Wilson, Charles Wilson, Sheila Basey, Leni Basey, Michael Montague, DuRay Montague, Robin Montague, Sam Queen, Gary Queen, Harvey Queen, Lionel Queen, Martin Crowell, Rhonda Crowell; and many other relatives, friends, sorority sisters, former students, and colleagues. Cookie will be remembered as a devoted wife, educator, mentor, and woman of deep faith whose legacy of love and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.

MURIEL HOWELL JACKSON

November 9, 1947 - March 21, 2026