Helen Maxineburke Porter Jackson

Helen Maxine Burke Porter Jackson, 89, of Topeka, passed away Monday, August 11, 2014. She was born September 24, 1924 to Hortense and John Burke of St. Louis, MO. The family moved to Topeka in 1927.

Maxine attended Topeka Public Schools. She was a National Thespian and graduated from Topeka High School. She attended Emporia State University and was an outstanding drama student winning a Scholarship to Stanford University in drama. She worked at KPO in San Francisco. She received her Masters Degree in Education from Kansas University. She was a member of Tri Sigma Sorority and Kappa Delta Pi, forensic fraternity.

Upon graduation, she directed, produced and wrote the Eisenhower Series for the Kansas State Network of the Mutual Broadcasting System for the purpose of raising funds for the Establishment of the Eisenhower Museum in Abilene, KS. She was active in the Topeka Civic Theatre.

Her professional career in education included teaching in the Topeka Public Schools until her retirement. She participated in establishing the student teaching program in connection with Washburn University, Kansas University and Kansas State University and had the first student teacher in the Topeka system. She directed her students in programs for Teachers Meetings and was the first President of Pi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, thus establishing a new national teachers' society in Topeka. She served on many reading, math and other curriculum committees.

She was married to Walter Porter, owner-operator of Porter Farms in 1982. He preceded her in death on July 13, 2004. During their marriage, they enjoyed traveling extensively abroad, their home, many friends, and living their lives together.

She was appointed to the State Board of Regents. She served on the Washburn Board of Regents for four years. She was a member of the Women of the World Board and she and her husband traveled to Russia on their behalf. She was also a member of the Kansas Film Commission and the Pierson Foundation for International Scholarships. She also managed to remain active in her community serving on such boards as the Washburn Women's Alliance, the Mulvane Art Board, Knife and Fork Board, the Symphony Board, CASA, and the Kansas Children's Service League. She was a member of Topeka Country Club. Among her other activities were a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, President of DV Chapter of PEO and a member of Western Sorosis, serving as their President.

Helen later married Dr. Donald Jackson, M.D. on July 15, 2010 in Topeka. He survives. Other survivors include her cousin, Paul Hoh of Texas.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 28, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church. Inurnment will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the First Presbyterian Church, 817 SW Harrison St., Topeka, KS 66612. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting the family.