Katherine Jackson

For other people named Katherine Jackson, see Katherine Jackson (disambiguation).

Katherine Jackson
Born
Katherine Esther Scruse

(1930-05-04) May 4, 1930 (age 94)
Clayton, Alabama, U.S.
OccupationAuthor
Spouse
​
​
(m. 1949; died 2018)​
Children
FamilyJackson

Katherine Esther Jackson (née Scruse; May 4, 1930) is the matriarch of the Jackson family of entertainers that includes her children Michael and Janet Jackson.

Jackson was born as Kattie B. Screws[1][2] in Clayton, Alabama on May 4, 1930, the elder daughter of Martha (née Upshaw; December 14, 1907 – April 30, 1990) and Prince Albert Screws (October 16, 1907 – January 21, 1997). Jackson contracted polio at age two, which left her with a noticeable limp. In 1934, her father changed his surname to Scruse and renamed her Katherine Esther Scruse.[2][3]

As a child, Jackson aspired to become an actress or a country singer, but was dismayed to find no notable Black country stars. Her parents divorced when she was still a child. She attended Washington High School in East Chicago, Indiana, where she joined the school band.[3]

  1. ^ "Katherine Jackson". Biography. November 17, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "jackson source". jackson source.
  3. ^ a b "Who is Michael and Janet Jackson's mother Katherine Jackson?". Smooth.