In Loving Memory of Krisita Jackson
Friday, December 1, 2023
Krisita Anne Jackson
National President of The Order, 2018-2022
March 21, 1952 - December 1, 2023
Krisita
Anne Jackson lived a life whole-heartedly devoted to her Savior,
serving Him faithfully in quiet confidence, grace, and strength. A proud
native Floridian and lifelong Episcopalian, Krisita grew up in Broward
County, attending St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, where she was
baptized and confirmed. Upon moving to Florida, she became an active
member of The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist for over
forty-five years, serving in many capacities, including Senior Warden.
Krisita
received her B.A. in Economics from Rollins College and spent
twenty-six years working in Marketing & Sales for BellSouth. Outside
of her professional work, she devoted countless hours to parish and
diocesan ministries. She was active with the Episcopal Church Women and
was a founding member of the Canon Nelson Pinder Chapter of the Union of
Black Episcopalians. Three times, Krisita was elected Deputy to the
General Convention; she served as Secretary of the Privilege and
Courtesy Committee and the Black Caucus. She also served on the Board of
Canterbury Conference and Retreat Center.
In
1999, Krisita became a much-beloved member of The Order of the
Daughters of the King®. With her outstanding leadership skills, she soon
became chapter president and was elected to the Diocesan Assembly of
Central Florida Board, where she served as secretary, 2nd vice
president, and president. She was then elected to the National Council
serving as National Membership chair, National President, and the Self
Denial Fund Chair.
In
our long history, Krisita was the first Black woman elected to lead the
whole Order as president. Women of color were active in The Order from
the 1890s on, and Black Daughters have been members of the National
Council from the 1960s to the present. But each president is the face of
The Order. During her term, she makes a statement about who Daughters
are just by being herself, bringing her perspective, talents, and faith
journey to the role. We were blessed to have Krisita's leadership during
the national outrage sparked by the killings of George Floyd and
others.
Krisita
was also the first president to have a four-year term and cope with all
the disruptions that Covid brought us. New
ways of accomplishing the work of The Order had to be devised at short
notice. "Conversations with Daughters" was Krisita's signature creation
during the pandemic. Council meetings, Triennial planning and other
goals had to be managed over Zoom instead of in person—a pretty steep
learning curve for many of us.
Long
before Krisita became a Daughter, she lived by the motto, always
asking, "Lord, what would You have me do?" Her extraordinary example,
impact, and influence will continue to be felt throughout The Order and
the wider Church for generations to come.
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