Maureen Deetra (Jackson) Nave was born on March 7th, 1934 to Ambrose William Jackson, Sr. and Thelma Rowena (Lankford) Jackson in St. Joseph, Missouri. She was the second child born of twins. Her brother, Maurice Jackson, died shortly after birth.

She attended kindergarten through 12th grade at Bartlett School in St. Joseph, Missouri, and then attended Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio.

In her youth and through her teenage years, her parents built the first black skating rink, known as the “The Barn”. This would be the spot where Maureen would become proficient in roller skating. 

She married John Nave but later divorce. For several years, Maureen worked as a director for a non-profit organization for senior citizens. In 1980, she moved to Topeka where she became employed by the State of Kansas, working for the Department of Purchasing and retiring after 19 years. She then became a foster grandparent at KNI. She loved working with the children there and socializing with other foster grandparents. 

In 1988, Ms. Nave joined New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She loved her Church and her church family. She was known as “Mom Nave” in the community. Her biggest passion was her family and she loved to have family events and get togethers.

Ms. Nave is preceded in death by her father and mother, Ambrose Jackson, Sr. and Thelma Jackson; her sons, Ronald Maurice Nave and later, another twin whom was given the same name as his previously departed brother, Ronald Maurice Nave; her brothers, Ambrose William Jackson, Jr. and Maurice Jackson and her sisters, Navajean Guiden and Thelma Marie Jackson.

She leaves her children Faun (Herman) Ewing of Topeka, KS., John (Peggy) Nave of Topeka, KS., Anitra (Darrin) White of Owings Mills, MD., Strad Nave of Topeka KS., Drake (Kathy) Nave of Redding, CA., Monique (Aaron) Lovelady of Wichita, KS., LeRoi Nave of Aurora CO; a sister-in-law, Sammye Jackson of Omaha, NE; 39 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren, many nieces and a nephew.

The family of Maureen Nave would like to take this time to thank each and everyone of you for all your acts of kindness you have shown at this difficult time. Memorial contributions can be made to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation: 28 W. 44th Street Ste. 609, New York, NY. 10036. May God bless you and keep you.

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