Claudia Jean Jackson

It is with great sadness that the family of Claudia Jean (Cory) Jackson announces her passing on November 20, 2024. Claudia was born in New Castle, Indiana to Martha and Max Cory on November 29, 1956 and lived there her entire life. She graduated from New Castle Chrysler High School in 1975. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education before going back to obtain her Master’s Degree from Ball State University. 

High school sweethearts Brian Jackson and Claudia Cory met at band camp in 1972. They married on November 20, 1976, and provided a loving family and happy home for their three children. In their 48 years of marriage, they enjoyed time at the family lake cottage, yearly vacations to Florida, boating, New Year’s Eve with best friends, and countless ballgames for their children and grandchildren. 

Claudia was the matriarch of her beloved family. She was a wife, mother, sister, daughter, best friend and teacher. Her favorite role was being Grammy to her five grandchildren. She was always present and cheering for them at every sporting event, school activity, and anything they enjoyed. Claudia would be in the stands happily keeping game statistics for “her grands” and their teammates. 

Her home was always open to family and friends, but for the grand kids it was a playground for crafts, baking, horseback riding, Easter egg hunts, Thanksgiving shootouts and Christmas brunches. They danced, sang, played the piano, took long golf cart rides, fished, and created memories that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. When Claudia was not with her children and grandchildren, she loved spending time with lifelong friends and dating her beloved husband and best friend, Brian.

Claudia was a devoted teacher and retired from Wilbur Wright Elementary after 32 years. She loved her students unconditionally and encouraged them to learn, think for themselves, and be kind. Her colleagues at school were close friends and shared her love for faithfully serving the community.

Claudia is a faithful servant of God. She is a devoted lifelong member of First Christian Church in New Castle, Indiana. She held many leadership roles at FCC. Some include evangelism, pastoral selection, youth group, Sunday school teacher, Bible study, small group and others. She was a spiritual mentor to many. She loved being able to share her gift of thoughtful prayer by doing Prayers of the People on Sundays. She co-founded the women’s fellowship group, Soul Sisters, that continues to grow today. Claudia served as an Elder for many years while most recently becoming head of the Elders. She had a vital role in bringing renewed life and warmth to the church through modernizing the fellowship lounge, narthex, nursery and chapel. 

Claudia used her spiritual gifts and love for teaching in her years of Bible Study Fellowship. God used Claudia’s talents to share His word through this ministry.

 She leaves behind her loving husband of 48 years, Brian Jackson, son Ryan (Alicia) Jackson, daughter Jennifer (Kevin) Barnett, and son Thomas (Mackenzie) Jackson. Grandchildren include Colbie Jackson (14), Cash Jackson (12), Max Jackson (9), Beau Barnett (6), and Mia Jackson (5). Brother, Tom (Sharon) Cory and brother-in-law Monte Jackson, all of New Castle. Nieces and nephews include Derek Jackson of Boston, Andrew Jackson of Seattle. Erica Cory, Nathan Cory and Grace (Patrick) Blair, of New Castle, as well as several great nieces and nephews.

Claudia is preceded in death by her parents Max and Martha Cory, her sister Kathy, and Brian’s parents, Jess and Joann Jackson. 

Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at First Christian Church in New Castle with Pastor Ronn Oren officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery, West Lawn Addition. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m-2:00 p.m., and the service will begin at 2 p.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Memorial contributions may be given to the Bell Tower Fund at First Christian Church, 2000 Bundy Ave., New Castle, IN, 47362. Condolences and memories of Claudia may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com.