By Kailyn Diaz & Kylah Jackson Lott

MaryAnn Hazel-Jackson, better known as Mrs. Jackson to the Long Branch community, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2023. Mrs. Jackson loved making rice crispy treats, building a koi fishpond, Black Friday shopping, which was an Olympic sport to her, decorating her front yard with life-size Christmas characters and planning the annual family summer vacation. Mrs. Jackson’s strength and perseverance were a true testament to her character. Her final days were spent surrounded by her loving husband and children. Now she rests in eternal peace. Mrs. Jackson was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Arlington, VA. She received her formal education in Arlington Public Schools. She also attended Virginia State University and the Art Institute of Atlanta. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she developed a passion for early childhood education. She spent most of her summers with Arlington County Recreation as a Tot Camp Director at Fairlington Community Center. She began a life-long career with Arlington Public Schools as a before and after-school program (Extended Day) Supervisor until she retired in 2021. Most of her 30 plus years in APS were spent working at Long Branch Elementary School. She made sure that the Extended Day program was a home away from home for all students but better! She put on big eventful productions for Extended Day. Some of those events included; spring carnivals, talent shows with custom t-shirts for the performers and backstage crew, 5th grade graduation party with live DJ, and a plethora of clubs! She had a big heart and was a giver. She attended and supported students in their extracurricular sporting events, recitals, performances, and walks for a cause. While managing her own health challenges, her unwavering commitment to help others in need and participate in events to end breast cancer, and other severe illnesses was relentless. It goes without saying that Mrs. Jackson’s strength and perseverance were a true testament to her character. As we remember Maryann, we celebrate a life well-lived, a love well-shared, and a legacy that will live on forever.