It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we, the children of Edna Mae Jackson (Harnden), share that our beloved mother passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, at Cottonwood Nursing Home in Laramie, Wyoming. She was 90 years old.
Mae was born on April 16, 1935, in Hanna, Wyoming and raised in Medicine Bow prior to moving to Laramie. She was the devoted wife of the late Burkett Rowland Jackson and the heart of our family.
Mae is lovingly remembered by her children: Valerie (George M.) Smalley, Louis (Diane) Jackson, and Liann (Douglas) Brenneman; her ten grandchildren—David Jackson, Timothy Jackson, Steven Jackson, Patrick Jackson, Mike Johnston, Matthew Smalley, Shali Jackson, Kenny Brenneman, Kaliegh Spracklen, and Kolton Brenneman, her fourteen cherished great-grandchildren and her siblings Lauralee Schinkle and William (Wilma) Harnden. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Janice, her son Burkett Jackson Jr., and her grandson Dylan Jackson.
Mae graduated from Medicine Bow High School with the Class of 1953. She met the love of her life while working as a waitress at the Virginian, beginning a partnership that would shape a lifetime of family and dedication. After moving to Laramie, Mae devoted herself to raising her four children, providing home daycare for many years while creating a warm and welcoming home.
Later, Mae found meaningful work at the University of Wyoming in the food service program. She especially enjoyed connecting with students and took pride in her work. She served at Washakie and later opened and ran the food cart in the Fine Arts Building, where she became known for her kindness, strong work ethic, and willingness to listen. Mae remained in this role until her retirement.
Being a grandmother was one of Mae’s greatest joys. When she wasn’t working, she was visiting grandchildren or welcoming them into her home with open arms. In her later years, she enjoyed spending time at the Eppson Center, participating in exercise classes—and even instructing from time to time. Mae deeply valued education and took great pride in seeing all of her children earn post–high school degrees and later celebrating those same achievements with her grandchildren. Her family was truly her pride and joy.
A graveside dedication will be held at Greenhill Cemetery on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
My sympathy to her family..We worked together at. Washadkie many years ago. We had good times. I WILL miss you. Thanks for being kind to me. Love katie davis harrop
So sorry to hear about Mae. I'll always remember her and family, almost like a second mother
Aunt Mae always met me at the front door waiting to share her hugs. She always had a pot of coffee made to offer a cup or two. In 1996 I got to spend 6 weeks with her and Uncle Burk. What a great time. Then I hurt my back and anther week I spent with Aunt Man. She was the best nurse. When I needed a medical question or just a Aunt to niece talk she was the one to get it from. We had alot of good visits. I will miss her. Love u Aunt Mae
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of my aunt (Mae). She was such a special part of our family, and she will be deeply missed.
Losing your mom, my sister, is a heartbreak we all feel deeply. She poured so much love into her children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren, and that love will continue to guide us. I’m here for every one of you, and together we’ll carry her memory forward.