Ann Dee (Jackson) Bent ended her battle with cancer on Sunday, April 21st at the age of 55 surrounded by family in Clarksville, TN. Ann Dee was born on July 1st, 1968 to Paul and Karole Jackson in Vandalia, IL.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Karole Jackson of Salem, IL, father and mother-in-law Wayne and Nadene Bent of Camp Point, IL,
maternal and paternal grandparents.
Surviving family members include husband of nearly 35 years Jeffrey Bent of Clarksville, TN, children Joshua of Clarksville, TN, Caleb (Amanda) of Bloomington, IL, and Jordan of Clarksville, TN, father Paul Jackson of Salem, IL, and brother Tony (Tammy) Jackson of Troy, IL. Also surviving are aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
During her childhood, Ann attended school in Patoka, IL, where she graduated valedictorian of the class of 1986. She proceeded to earn her Associate’s in Secretarial Sciences and Bachelor’s in Ministry at St. Louis Christian College, where she met Jeff. They were married on October 14th,1989, and went on to have their three boys. She went on to receive her Master’s in Education at Missouri Baptist University. During their time in Sullivan, MO, Ann Dee served as a stay-at-home mom, and eventually the part-time computer teacher at Sullivan Elementary School and full-time family and consumer sciences teacher at Sullivan High School. After they moved to Olney, IL, Ann served as the Food Service Director for theRichland County School District, a position she served in for eight years. After moving to Clarksville, TN, Ann worked in customer service for Clarksville Gas and Water, where she worked until she was no longer able to. Ann Dee made an eternal impact on everyone she met, from her time as a pastor’s wife to her career throughout her life. Her gift of hospitality was unmatched, as she loved to cook and bake, not only for her family but also for those close to her (we will all miss those cinnamon rolls). Along with a passion for hospitality was her passion for singing which she inherited from her mom, and she shared her voice with many people during her life. Almost nothing stood above her love for Christmas, as noted by the over- the-top decorations, up to seven Christmas trees in the house, and Christmas music at any point during the year. Above all, there is not a job she loved more than being a mother and wife. She is loved dearly and will be missed by more than she ever realized. We rest knowing that she is in no more pain or suffering as she joins her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven.
Visitation and funeral service will be held at Evergreen Christian Church in Salem, IL on Saturday, April 27th at 10 am and 1 pm respectively. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Oil Belt Christian Service Camp in Flora, IL. Online condolences and memories of Ann Dee may be shared with her family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Day Macz Funeral Home in Patoka is privileged to be assisting the family of Ann Dee Bent with arrangements.
