Paris Collman Jackson
March 13, 2000-May 27, 2021
Savannah, Georgia, Georgia

Paris Collman Jackson, a former Palo Alto youth volunteer who donated many hours to help veterans and young children, has passed away. She was 21 years old.

Born on March 13, 2000 in Fresno, California, Collman Jackson moved to Palo Alto at the age of 10. She attended El Carmelo Elementary School, JLS Middle School, and graduated from Palo Alto High School in 2018.

A treasured member of Girl Scout Troop 80693, Paris was known for her initiative, dedication, and kindness in serving others.

“I remember dozens of veterans cheering in the lobby of a VA facility in Menlo Park, all because Paris had come to give them donated Girl Scout cookies,” said her former troop leader, Carrie Manley. “The vets were part of a program for the homeless, and they were were so, so grateful--not just for the cookies, but really for Paris, for her willingness to give and to connect so sincerely.”

In 2019, Paris volunteered as a Summer Learning Buddy, providing literacy tutoring to younger students attending summer school in the Palo Alto Unified School District. “Paris always jumped at the chance to give. She was such a positive role-model with a genuine gift for connecting with children,” said Manley. “I was so privileged to work with her, and always so happy to be with her.”

“Paris was such a lovely, kind person to me. I will never forget that.” said Summer Learning Buddies volunteer Andrea Davis. “I remember working with her and how warm she was to the kids,” said veteran Summer Learning Buddy Rob Schnide. “Even in an environment where everyone was kind, her warmth really stuck out.” Collman Jackson was also a talented artist, songwriter, and singer. Several of her original compositions are on Youtube, including “Pull Me In With Those Eyes!” and “Perfect Never Ceasing.”

In addition, she was a beloved member of the Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto.

Enrolled at Biola University in La Mirada, California, Collman Jackson took college classes online this past school year, due to the Covid epidemic. She was living with family in Savannah, Georgia, at the time of her death. “I loved her, and I knew she loved me,” said her aunt Vicki Brown, a former Palo Alto resident now living in the East Bay. “Paris was joyful. She had the brightest smile. She was giving, generous, a true friend--all about others. She would always encourage and comfort people.” Brown said her niece is survived by an extended family including “her parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and grandparents, and friends around the world.”

Tags: public service