Dr. Karen Melissa Jackson was born October 3, 1964 in Houston, Texas to Pastor Fred B. Baisey Jr. and Fraulyn "Helen" Baisey.  Karen attended public schools in the Houston Independent School District.  She graduated from Lamar High School in 1983 and continued her education at Texas Southern University.  During her time at T.S.U., she obtained a Bachelor of Education, Master of Education, Master of Counseling and Doctorate of Education Administration. In the spring of 1984, Karen was initiated into the Delta Gamma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Karen began her career as an elementary school teacher in the Houston Independent School District. She taught at Bonham Elementary School and would later move to other schools within the district. Karen elevated in the school system, becoming a Counselor and eventually an Assistant Principal at Key Middle School and Fonville Middle school, respectively.  After twenty years of service, Karen retired from H.I.S.D. and started a new chapter of her life.  Karen became a Center Administrator at Gulf Coast Community Services Association - Belfort campus.  Karen coordinated the head start program.  She touched the life of every student, teacher, and administrator that she came in contact with.

At an early age, Karen accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior.  She was baptized at Greater Rose Hill M.B.C. under the leadership of Rev. F.A. Allen.  Karen went on to join the Inter-Grated Missionary Church family, where her father, Rev. F.B. Baisey Jr., is Pastor.  Karen accepted her calling into the ministry as an Evangelist and taught Bible Study.  She was actively involved in the Praise Dance Ministry, Choir, and Minister's Board. In December 2021, Karen joined Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. T.K. Anderson, where she was a member of the choir.

In 2016, Karen published her book, "Embarking on an Adventure with God, Finding Spiritual Fulfillment."  The book shares her personal testimony and reveals how God navigated her life.

Karen enjoyed traveling the world, rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, watching her many television shows, decorating for every holiday (Halloween was her favorite!), and walking her dog, Dash. However, nothing compared to the time she spent with family, especially her grandchildren. One of Karen's best qualities was helping others; she never met a stranger.

Karen was called home on Wednesday, April 27, 2022.  She will be missed immensely.

Karen leaves to cherish, her devoted husband of thirty-three years, Marvin Jackson; daughters, Kristina (Richard) Mills-Tetteh and Kathryn Jackson; grandchildren, Kodi and Jackson Mills-Tetteh; parents, Pastor Fred and Fraulyn Baisey; siblings, Kathleen (Wayne) Blount, Katrice (Vance) Galloway and Kristine (Jason) Mosby; nephews, Fred Galloway, Wayne Blount II and Vance Galloway II; niece, Tiffany (Michael) Malone; godchildren, Whitney Ranzy, Isaiah Culpepper and Milton Frasier; and a host of family and friends. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Beatrice Bell and her best friend/brother, Ronnie Jones.