Virginia passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025 surrounded by family and friends. Born June 16, 1932 to George and Walton Bots and Aline Lee Bott of Warren. She is survived by daughter Deborah (Glen) Mikolajczyk, daughter-in-law Carol Jackson. She was so very proud of her grand babies: Megan Mikolajczyk (Aaron Bowen), Callie Mikolajczyk (Caleb Repinski), and Madison Ronan Jackson. She also delighted in becoming a great grandmother,”Gigi” when the great grands arrived; Beatrix Bowen, Mick Bowen, and Cooper Repinski, and bonus great grand Holly Bowen. Further survived by brother and sister-in-law, “Buddy” and Pat Jackson, the Jackson Nieces and nephews, dear nieces Kim (Mike) Barton, Tina Reep, and nephew Don (Don A) Botts, and other Botts family. Preceded win death by the love of her life, Leo T. Jackson Jr., beloved son Gregory Jackson, sister Rebecca Dorrough, brothers George Potts and William Potts, brothers-in-law; Reeves (FernO) and Kerry.
Virginia grew up in southern Arkansas, raised by a fiercely liberated woman and a soft spoken business owner, philanthropist, and nature lover. The oldest of four, she learned to take care of others and found a talent for teaching. After high school in Warren, (she first encountered Leo Jr., whom she admired from afar), she attended Hendrix College to earn her teaching degree. Virginia finally scored a blond date with Leo, who was now in the Navy. They courted for years before getting married and starting their family.
They welcomed a daughter, Deborah, while Leo was still in college and Virginia was teaching. Years later they had a son, Gregory, while moving from place to place as Leo worked on US missile bases. The Jackson family arrived in Wisconsin in 1962, but Virginia was sure that they had landed abroad. She found herself in Milwaukee, surrounded by German and Polish immigrants, cold and snow. Virginia, being a southern lady was appalled that she had to send her kids to school in such cold weather! Despite her initial apprehension, she remained in Wisconsin for the next 63 years.
Virginia, taking after her mother, loved to volunteer. She fundraised for the Methodist Church, volunteered at the hospital, Trees for Tomorrow, dedicated time as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, and was very involved with the General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) of Oconomwoc. During years of service with GFWC, she was publicity chairman, and served with pride as their president. She earned many awards over the years for her artwork, photography, and writing. Gardening was a special passion. She had a huge plot and grew many kinds of veggies and herbs. She delighted in sharing this joy with her granddaughters.
Holidays were Virginia’s time to shine. She loved to decorate and make holidays special for Leo, Deb, and Greg, and later their families.
Virginia had very strong faith and was a proud member of the Methodist Church since childhood. She loved her devotions and reading from the Bible.
There have been so many amazing caregivers in her life since her move to Shorehaven. She called them her best friends. Thank you so much to Sue P., Judy, Jesse, Alyson, Debbie D., Debbie R., Robin, Amanda, Barb, Emily, Stan, social directors, kitchen staff, the ladies at the hair salon, neighbor Pat, Pastor Nick, and her special angel, Ivey. Thank you to all the others who helped make her stay so loving. She raved how well they were fed, making her “fat and sassy” as weak as the socializing at meals.
While we know she hated to leave her precious earth family behind, the reunion with her “cute sailor boy” and her “very handsome and smart” son Greg was a special homecoming.
A celebration of Virginia’s life will be held at the Shorehaven Chapel in Oconomowoc on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11 a.m. Memorials in lieu of flowers can be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.
