Our Toya Renee Jackson was born September 10th, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois, through the union of Gilbert and Joyce Catherine (Gray) Jackson. She was the second of five children. She and her siblings were raised on the south side of Chicago after her parent’s separation. She was a part of a tight, close knit family, including aunts, uncles, and cousins, which only grew tighter, once her mother Joyce became ill. Toya, being one of the eldest children, and the oldest girl, would help her family by cooking, cleaning, working, and caring for her younger siblings.
She graduated from Englewood High School in 1977. Searching for a clearer and more directed path in life, she joined the United States Navy in 1982. Joining the military allowed her learn about computer processing systems and other IT related information. She was also able to travel to places, she never thought she would be able to go and it introduced her to different cities, different views on life, and people different backgrounds and cultures.
While in the United States Navy, she was stationed in Washington DC, where she had her daughter, Kiahna in 1983. She was also stationed in Florida, California, and Hawaii. She After spending 8 years active duty with the Navy, she was yearning to return home to be reunited with her mother and siblings. In 1990, she left Oahu, Hawaii and returned to the Midwest, settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In Milwaukee, she reunited with her mother, her brothers, sister, nieces and nephews. She was absolutely in love and crazy about her family, attempting to help whenever and however she could. In 1993 she gave birth to her second daughter, Kenesha.
She spent a total of 9 years in Milwaukee and in seeking a calmer, quiet area to raise her daughters, she relocated to Virginia, in 1999. Toya spent most of her career working in the IT field, as a Systems Administrator, and as a reservist in the US NAVY.
She enjoyed jogging everyday, reading. meditating, and traveling until she fell ill and was eventually diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2007, however, nothing brought her greater joy than family. She doted on her daughters and grandchildren.
Our beautiful and beloved queen, peacefully entered eternal sleep on Thursday, November 26th, 2020, enveloped by the embrace of her daughters, after a fierce 13 year battle with a brain tumor. We are grateful and thankful to have had her for 61 years, and that we were able to experience in all of her, what a mother, best friend, confidant, and a great person is.
Although she is gone, she leaves long lasting memories, and many pieces of herself, in the spirits and lives of her family: daughters, Kiahna Allen (Stephen) and Kenesha Jackson, grandsons, Troy Jones, Jaycen Jones, Stephen Allen, Aaron Allen, and grand daughter Leilani Allen, all of Virginia. She also leaves her memory to be cherished by her brothers, Gilbert (Zellia) Jackson, Orlandus (Nina) Jackson, Quenton (Corene) Littleton, and her sister Yolonda Jackson, all of Milwaukee, WI. As well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joyce Catherine Jackson and Gilbert Jackson, as well as, her beloved niece Nickeya Lee Ivory.
Services are private.
Recent Stories
The Manassas City Council voted to extend a lucrative tax incentive for Micron Technology Inc. through 2035, solidifying the semiconductor company’s continued presence in the city. The deal, passed during the February 10, 2025, council meeting, ensures Micron’s annual tax payments increase by 4% while maintaining a lower tax rate than other manufacturers.
However, the decision has raised questions about a potential conflict of interest involving Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. Multiple sources have indicated that Davis-Younger is in a relationship with Delbert Parks, Vice President and Site Director at Micron’s Manassas facility.
Parks is named in an official letter from the mayor, dated the same day as the vote, outlining the incentives offered to Micron. During the meeting, Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe alluded to the relationship, stating that “some of the comments floating around online are BS,” referring to speculation that the mayor’s ties to Parks influenced the tax break discussions.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved a 24-acre rezoning for a new data center development along Wellington Road, despite opposition from Supervisor Bob Weir and concerns about its proximity to Patriot High School.
On February 4, 2025, the board approved Rezoning #REZ2024-00042, NVA05C, changing the property’s zoning from agricultural and business districts to Planned Business District (PBD) to accommodate a data center. The site, located 700 feet southwest of Freedom Center Boulevard and Wellington Road, is part of Innovation Park, an area designated for high-tech development.
The rezoning application was submitted by STACK Infrastructure, which operates data centers in multiple locations across North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. Some key Northern Virginia locations include:Â Manassas, Ashburn, and Leesburg.
Fredericksburg is taking another step forward to become a more walkable community with the recent start of construction off LaFayette Boulevard, which is part of the city’s Twin Lake Drive and Kensington Pedestrian Connector project.
This $2.4 million project includes extending a 10-foot wide paved shared-use path along the north side of Lafayette Boulevard between Twin Lake Drive and St. Paul Street in the City of Fredericksburg. The path will be accessible, with ramps and crosswalks built where the route intersects with Twin Lakes Drive, Springwood Drive, Kensington Place, and St. Paul Street.
The project includes a paved access point to the Virginia Central Railway Trail from the cul-de-sac of Springwood Drive, and a bike repair station will be installed at Alum Spring Park.
The process Fredericksburg City Council is following to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat could conflict with state code—especially with a provision added last year that states that governing bodies must publicly announce the names of those being considered to fill a vacant seat at least seven days before the appointment is made.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
