Annette Jackson

"O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures for ever." - Psalm 136:1

Annette Buntin Jackson, born Norma Annette Buntin, entered the joy of God’s creation on January 11th 1952 in Lawrenceville, IL. One of five children born to Noralee (Maddox) and Leo Verlis ‘Sammy’ Buntin, she was raised in Flat Rock, IL where she grew in love for music, art, family, community, and faith. In her youth she attended church in Crawford County, IL and was baptized in the Wabash River. She graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics (Textiles) and a concentration in Journalism. She met Larry Scott Jackson while studying at UIUC on a blind date. They were married on May 18th 1975 at Pleasant View United Church of Christ in Montgomery Township, Crawford County. The two of them lived in various towns up and down the east coast in connection with the Navy. Annette graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Masters in Business Affairs and a concentration in Finance.

Returning to Champaign, IL, Annette founded ‘ABJ Associates, Inc.’ and consulted in small-business and agri-business computer systems. She loved counted cross-stitch, cooking and reading. She loved to travel; visiting various national and international locations with Larry on vacation or in connection with his employment or their shared love of wine and nature. She would frequently host harvest parties at their residence; cultivating meals and atmosphere to celebrate friendship, family, and the family vineyard. She was kind, self-giving, courteous, and full of gratitude. She loved to sing; whether leading worship, with friends in Sweet Adelines, lullabies to her children, or even just to herself. She shared stories, jokes, meals, praise, thanksgiving, and her faith in every encounter with friend, family, and stranger alike. She worshiped her Lord and served her neighbor through music (vocal and clarinet), word, and deed at St. Matthew Lutheran Church (Urbana) and many other churches throughout her vibrant and love-sharing life.

Annette passed from life into Life on August 1st 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital after struggling with an extended illness. She departed in peace with loved ones, kind words, song, and prayer at her side. She is survived by her husband of 50 years (Larry); son Thomas (Sarah) of Thomasboro; and her sisters Cel (Ron) Bork and Pam Reinbold. She was preceded in death by her daughter Anna Louise; her father Leo Verlis; her mother Noralee; her brother Michael Lloyd; and her sister Marita Lee.

Funeral services will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Urbana on August 29th at 6:00 PM, and a grave-side burial at Pleasant View Cemetery, Crawford County, on September 4th at 2:00 PM.

In Annette’s memory, the family asks that you give thanks for all that gives you joy and comfort in your life. Hug family and friends. Speak kindness and truth in moments of triumph and struggle. Rejoice in the Lord always. Share food, drink, comfort, and encouragement. Amen. Yes. Let it be so.