Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
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Joyce E. Knighton Jackson, 64, Sandusky, passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2011.
She was born March 30, 1947, in Sandusky, OH, to the late Robert and Mary Knighton, Sr.
She was a 1965 graduate of Sandusky High School. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Kent State University in 1969 and received her Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Curriculum Instruction from Case Western Reserve University in 1973.
Joyce taught in the East Cleveland City Schools for 16 years. She returned to Sandusky to teach in the Sandusky City Schools in 1986. She began teaching at Hancock Elementary School and after two years transferred to Ontario Elementary School where she taught for 13 years. She took many post graduate classes from the University of Toledo. In 1998, she received an elementary principal certificate from the University of Findlay. The Sandusky City School district hired her to be an elementary principal at Campbell Elementary School in 1998 and in 2004 she was assigned to Ontario Elementary School as elementary principal. In 2005-2006, Ontario Elementary School became the first elementary school in Sandusky City School district to receive the designation of “Effective” on the State Report card for the Ohio Achievement Test. In June 2007, Joyce retired from Sandusky City School District after 22 years. Her total years of service as an educator in the State of Ohio were 37 years.
Joyce continued serving the community with her volunteer work. She was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha (founding chapter member KSU). Joyce volunteered her time with many groups including the Sandusky City Schools, the “ In It Together Military Support Group”, Operation Love (military support) at Ebenezer Baptist Church, The Merry –Go-Round Museum, Cancer Services of Erie County, Sandusky Area Alliance, Ohio Alliance and the National Alliance of Black School Educators. She served on the boards of Safe Harbour Domestic Violence Shelter and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She was the historian for the National Council of Negro Women. Joyce was a dedicated member of Ebenezer Baptist Church and served in many capacities including: usher board, deaconess board, Secretary of Busy Bees Missionary Circle and on the Scholarship Board.
She is survived by her husband of 8 years, Roger P. Jackson; daughter, Keeouka Tashir Knighton (Romingo) Shaw; of Buda, TX; three sons, Roger Lofties, Jeffery Jackson and Armon Warren, all of Sandusky; four granddaughters, Tianna Tashir Knighton-Shaw, Buda, TX, Kortnei Lofties, Louisville, KY, Ashantee and Aniyah Lofties, both of Sandusky; one sister, Carol Dennis, Kokomo, IN; two brothers , Robert (Carolyn ) Knighton, Jr., Cleveland, OH and Thomas Knighton, Wauseon, OH ; two brothers- in-law, James (Marva) Jackson, and Robert (Beverly ) Jackson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Knighton, Sr.; and several aunts, uncles, and a nephew.
Friends may call from 5-8 PM. on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1215 Pierce Street, Sandusky. The funeral services will be on Monday, Nov. 21 at 11:00 AM in Ebenezer Baptist Church. Rev. Clayton Howard will officiate and Rev. Curtis Johnson, Jr. will delivery the eulogy. Burial will be in Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron, OH. Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.toftfh.com.
