Dr. Jackolyn Morgan

Dr. Jackolyn Benson Morgan, 62, of Abilene died Sunday, July 10, 2011 in Dallas. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2011, at Central Baptist Church, 1100 Old Bynum Rd., in Hillsboro. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m Friday, July 15, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro.

An additional funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 18, at King Soloman Baptist Church, 1050 Minda Street (corner of South Judge Ely Blvd. and Minda Street) in Abilene. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, July 17, at North's Funeral Home in Abilene.

She was born January 29, 1949 in Hillsboro to Evelyn Benson and Maurice Small. She graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1967, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Angelo State University, Masters of Science in Nursing from Texas Tech University, and recently received her Doctorate in Education from Texas Tech University. She married Earnest James Morgan, Sr. in 1967, and they lived together in Abilene.

Dr. Morgan attended The Peabody School through the 11th grade, before graduating from Hillsboro High School. Following high school, Dr. Morgan enrolled in a nursing program at Grant-Buie Hospital and became a Licensed Vocational Nurse. She then went on to gain her practical experience from Ben Taub Hospital, a leading trauma Center in Houston, before returning to receive an Associate’s Degree from McLennan Community College in Waco and becoming a Registered Nurse.

In the late 70’s, Jackolyn relocated with her family to Abilene. She continued her nursing career at West Texas Medical Center as a Staff & Charge Nurse. In 1983, she joined the Texas Department of Human Services, where she was responsible for primary home care program management. She would leave her position at the State to become a Nurse Educator in 1987. Bringing her 20 years of nursing to Cisco College, she began teaching in the Associate Degree Nursing Program. In 1994, she became the Director of the Vocational Nursing Program where her primary responsibilities included curriculum & compliance for the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Later, in 1999, Cisco College named her as their Director of Nursing Programs, which gave her responsibility for the Licensed Vocational Nurse & Registered Nurse Programs. In 2009, she became the Division Chair of Heath Sciences, adding the Allied Health Programs to her charter.

Dr. Morgan’s most recent accomplishments include being named Dean of Heath Sciences at Cisco College and receiving her Doctorate in Education from Texas Tech University. She also held many leadership roles for various organizations, including the Texas Association of Vocational Nurse Educators and the AME Church.

Dr. Jackolyn Benson Morgan is survived by her husband, Earnest Morgan of Abilene; mother, Evelyn Benson of Hillsboro; son, Earnest Morgan Jr. of Minneapolis; and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Bethel AME Church, Abilene, Texas in her honor.