Stephanie Joy Jackman

Stephanie Joy Houston Jackman was born on January 21, 1941. She grew up on the east side of Des Moines, attending Cattell Elementary, Amos Hyatt Junior High, East High School and Grandview College.

Stephanie married Edwin Jackman in 1961. Not long after having children, Ed and Stephanie began building a rental property business. They teamed up to successfully operate the family business until her retirement in early 2000. Her three sons fondly remember working every free hour at a very early age. As you can imagine…pre-teen handyman skills don’t blossom overnight, yet not one of them regrets learning these skills at such an early age.

Stephanie was known for her strong will and independent nature. Caring for herself and for others came naturally. She had a huge heart and would be the first one to reach out to anyone in need.

After her husband’s death in 1990, Stephanie moved from her beloved house on Kingman Blvd, to living and making many friends in the Cobblestone development, to a beautiful acreage in Winterset. She ultimately spent her final glorious days in the Brookside Condominiums in West Des Moines.

As the mother of three active boys, early years were spent almost exclusively supporting their athletics and activities at Callanan Junior High and Roosevelt High School. There were summers that you would’ve thought our address was at Raccoon Valley Little League where she joined scores of coach’s wives to run the baseball facility.

While living in Cobblestone, she was thoroughly vetted but quickly became a legacy member of the “Ladies of the Lake” - out of the Ozarks, and spent many weeks traveling and celebrating with this group of amazing women.

Not to be outdone, when she moved to West Des Moines, the “Brookside Babes” immediately adopted her into their sorority, and she quickly became one of the matriarchs. She helped organize long walks, game nights, wine nights, derby nights, and made sure families with illnesses were properly cared for.

She was proud of her boys and the fathers they have become and was their biggest cheerleader. Stephanie loved her grandchildren immensely and rarely did an event happen in their lives that she didn’t connect to hear their stories and successes. Although she preferred a plain hamburger with pickles, she was always game for trying new lunch locations with the grandkids. Grandma was witty, sassy, and always made them laugh.

After her diagnosis of lung cancer in September of this year, she chose to stay in her home for her last days. Along with sensational care from wonderful friends, her family, hospice nurses and aids, as well as three great ladies, Eunice, Sarah and Regina…she was able to stay home and spend her last days laughing, reminiscing, and deepening her bond with her boys. Her three sons agree….it was an absolute blessing to have these last few months with her. Although she struggled, she died peacefully on January 15th, just six days before her 82nd birthday.

Stephanie is survived by her three sons, Jeff, Craig (Aimee), Joel (Tracey); her seven grandchildren, Chase, Josie, Connor, Josh, Luke, Seair and Skyland Jackman; her sister, Carolyn (Colin) Edwards; her numerous sisters-in-law; her beloved cat, Baby; and her many friends, nieces, and nephews.

Stephanie was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin; her father, Richard (Norma) Houston; her mother, Fern (William) Beck; her aunt, Waunita (Stevie) Stevens; and her sister, Barb Stapp.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 23, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Furry Friends Refuge or a charity of your choice.

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