Mary Louise Jackson

Mary Louise Jackson, age 84 of Centerville, passed away Friday, May 23, 2025. She was born May 5, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of the late Louis and Mary Koenig.

Louise, a gifted multi-media artist, cultivated her passion for painting since 1965, skillfully working with oils, acrylics, watercolor, and inks. A prolific talent, she authored 27 painting books showcasing her diverse range of portraits, florals, landscapes, and still lifes. Her artistic influence extended to appearances on several PBS television shows, and her work graced the covers and pages of numerous magazines.

A dedicated leader in the arts community, Louise founded the Decorative Artists Guild of Southwestern Ohio in 1976. She was also a distinguished member of the Dayton Painters and Sculptors and the Western Ohio Watercolor Society, and recognized as a Master Decorative Artist with the Society of Decorative Painters. Her artistry is held in many private and corporate collections, and has even been on display in the esteemed Smithsonian. Louise shared her extensive knowledge through teaching, traveling across the U.S. and internationally to Italy, Japan, and Argentina, and continued to inspire artists through her online painting classes available on her website, Louise Jackson Painting Classes.

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Louise's greatest passion was her family. She was a devoted wife and mother, always willing to lend a helping hand. Louise cherished time with loved ones, often hosting holidays and special occasions in her beautifully decorated homes. A cherished tradition was her and her husband Ken's annual Christmas Eve gathering, where they opened their home to friends who didn't have family nearby for an evening of good food and fun games. Louise loved entertaining, from lively game nights and bridge parties to spontaneous "come-as-you-are" get-togethers. Her warmth, generosity, and vibrant spirit enriched the lives of all who knew her, leaving a legacy of art, love, and cherished memories.

Louise is survived by her sons, Kevin (Martha) Jackson and Gregg (Diana) Jackson; daughters, Elizabeth (Jim) Klosterboer and Kathryn (Jeff) Corbett; grandchildren, Amanda Corbett, April Jackson, Kayleigh Jackson-Ulrich (Carey), Brian (Kennedy) Corbett, and Ken Jackson; and great granddaughter, Elowen Corbett.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Joseph Jackson; sister, Katy Abraham; and brother and sister-in-law, Ken and Mary Ann Koenig.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made via the links below to Hoofprints (4989 Medlar Road, Miamisburg, OH 45342) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105).

In accordance with Louise’s wishes, a public funeral service will not be held. We will have a Celebration of Life and a display of her paintings in a few months. Please check back to this site for the details.

To share a memory of Louise or leave a special message for her family, please visit the Guestbook below.