Jeannette Jackson Murphy

Jeannette Jackson Murphy, Beloved Artist and Mother, passed peacefully surrounded by family. After studying art at the Sorbonne in Paris and at Whitman College, Jeannette exhibited her vibrant artwork in Paris, Boston, New York, Seattle, and elsewhere. Born to former Whitman College Dean Dr. Paul Jackson and Jeannette Gertrude Jackson, co-founders of the Little Theater of Walla Walla, Jeannette is survived by her five children: Mark, Megan, Morgan, and Topher Murphy, Danielle McMahon; and five grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her brother, Nagle Jackson, a celebrated playwright and director.

A future celebration of life will be planned in 2026 with details to be added here when confirmed.

Jeannette was Born in Seattle, Washington in 1932, and moved to Walla Walla as a young girl when her father, Dr. Paul J. Jackson joined the faculty of the English Department at Whitman College, where he eventually became Dean of the Faculty. She has lived in Paris, New York, and Boise, Idaho, and returned to Walla Walla with her five children in 1972, making it her permanent home.

Jeannette was a passionate and dedicated artist who continued to stretch and redefine her artistic practice for more than 6 decades. Known primarily as a painter working in oil, ink and watercolor, Jeannette studied art and painting with influential artists Andre Lohte in Paris, and Richard Jens Rasmussen at Whitman College. She also created sets and visuals for stage and film, collaborating with directors/multi-media performers Gregg Lachow and Megan Murphy in Seattle (On the Boards) and Paris (Centre Nacionale de la Danse, La Villette). Jeannette has shown her work in solo and group exhibitions at galleries and non-traditional spaces in Seattle, Boston, New York, and throughout Washington State. Public art projects range from a commission to create the Stations of the Cross for St. Mark’s Church in Waitsburg, Washington at the young age of 23; and the creation of an outdoor sculpture for the City of Walla Walla’s “Onion” project in her late 70’s. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her passion for theater and dance, designing sets, costumes, posters and original artworks for use in stage and film projects. All five children from her marriage to Cullen Murphy are pursuing creative endeavors in the performing and media arts as performers, and through directing, choreography, producing, curating, and teaching.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations to the Little Theater of Walla Walla, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), or the charity of your choice.