Lynda Denise Jackson

Lynda Denise Jackson passed away on March 6, 2025, at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Born Lynda Denise Swartz on April 24, 1960, in Lafayette, Indiana, she was the youngest of four children to Donald Albert Swartz and Carolyn Wanda Swartz. Lynda spent her early years in Lafayette, where she attended Lafayette Jefferson High School. Over the years, she made her home in Florida, Michigan, and South Carolina, and ultimately settled in Utah.

For many years, Lynda was a single mother, raising three boys the very best she could. She instilled in them honesty, a non-judgmental outlook on life, an unshakable sense of humor, and a deep understanding of love. She faced every challenge with resilience and determination.

During her time in South Carolina, she met the love of her life—her husband and soulmate, John Jackson. He worshipped her, following her around and being there for her every need throughout her battle with cancer. He became a father to her children and taught their family the true meaning of unconditional love. Their bond was a true partnership, built on laughter, adventure, and unwavering devotion. In her final three years, Lynda lived in North Salt Lake, Utah, with her son Brent Swartz and her husband John Jackson, where the three of them formed a dedicated team to care for her. They seamlessly tackled life’s challenges together and bravely fought cancer side by side.

Lynda was preceded in death by her father, Donald Swartz, and her oldest brother, Darrel Glen Craig. She is survived by her devoted husband, John Thomas Jackson, and her three sons—Brent Lamar Swartz of North Salt Lake, Utah (born in Highland Park, Illinois), Aaron Josiah Swartz-Minniear of Honolulu, Hawaii (born in Lafayette, Indiana), and Joshua Richard Dallas Swartz (wife Brittney) of Winder, Georgia (born in East Jordan, Michigan). She is also survived by her beloved granddaughter, Isabella Taylor Swartz; her brothers, Paul Douglas Swartz (wife Linda) and Destin Arthur Swartz (wife Dana); along with many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Lynda had a profound love for life and embraced every moment with joy and enthusiasm. She cherished scuba diving, the ocean, the wide-open spaces of the West, and she never missed an opportunity to laugh or stir up a little mischief. She adored her dog Mickey, a devoted little Chihuahua who traveled the country with her during her time in South Carolina. Mickey remained her favorite companion, and she carried his ashes with her always. Lynda delighted in shopping on Temu, collecting antiques, and spending time with those she loved—especially her granddaughter, Isabella. Despite her health challenges, she traveled as much as she could in her final years—visiting Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean—always celebrating life to the fullest. She adored her mother, Carolyn, was proud of her sons, and found great fulfillment in being both a mother and a grandmother. Deeply devoted to her religion, she had an incredible ability to uplift those around her, instinctively knowing when someone needed encouragement. Whether through her heartfelt honesty, her signature Southern “twang” from years in Florida and South Carolina, or her unforgettable stories, she had a way of making people feel special. To know Lynda was to love her.

Lynda’s absence leaves her family deeply missing her unique spirit and the purpose she brought to their lives. They do not know what to do without her, but they carry the hope of honoring her by living in a way that reflects her kindness, resilience, and zest for life. They offer her the respect and recognition that this “queen of life” so greatly deserves.

Family, friends, and all whose lives Lynda touched are invited to a viewing on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. at the Spring Hill Ward Chapel, located at 351 Lofty Lane, North Salt Lake, UT 84054. The memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Memorial Lakeview Mortuary and Cemetery, 1640 Lakeview Dr, Bountiful, UT 84010.

Lynda’s warmth, honesty, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who loved her.