NEW ORLEANS — Jaquelyn Brechtel “Jackie” Clarkson, a former Louisiana legislator and three-term New Orleans City Council member who was the mother of Academy Award-nominated actor Patricia Clarkson, has died at age 88.
City officials confirmed her death Wednesday. Mayor LaToya Cantrell and City Council President Helena Moreno and members of the Louisiana congressional delegation are among those who praised Clarkson, noting her support of the New Orleans Recreation Department and her preservation efforts for the city’s French Quarter and the Algiers neighborhood where she was born.
Clarkson was was elected to her first term on the council in 1990, according to a recap of her career in The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. She represented the city’s District C, including the French Quarter and Algiers, for a single term before losing a closely fought race to Troy Carter, now a member of Congress. Clarkson then served two terms in the state House of Representatives and reclaimed the District C seat in 2002, when Carter unsuccessfully ran for mayor.
She lost a 2006 race for an at-large seat on the council, but she succeeded the next year in a special election for an at-large seat that opened after a resignation. She was re-elected three years later and retired from politics in 2014.
“Jackie Clarkson was a proud daughter of Algiers, an outspoken supporter of our nation’s armed forces and veterans, and a Louisiana political legend,” Carter said in a news release. “She was a trail blazer during her service as one of the first women on the New Orleans City Council and Louisiana House of Representatives, and continued her activism even after she left office by supporting the National World War II Museum and the New Orleans Opera.”
Funeral arrangements were pending.
Jackie Clarkson, a prominent figure in New Orleans politics and the mother of acclaimed actress Patricia Clarkson, has passed away at the age of 88. Clarkson was known for her dedication to public service and her tireless efforts to improve the city she loved.
Born in New Orleans in 1933, Jackie Clarkson was a lifelong resident of the city and a proud advocate for its residents. She began her political career in the 1970s, serving as a member of the New Orleans City Council for over 20 years. Clarkson was known for her strong leadership and commitment to serving the people of New Orleans, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
During her time on the City Council, Clarkson worked tirelessly to address issues such as affordable housing, economic development, and public safety. She was a fierce advocate for her constituents and was known for her hands-on approach to problem-solving. Clarkson’s dedication to public service earned her the respect and admiration of many in the community.
In addition to her political career, Clarkson was also a devoted mother to her daughter, actress Patricia Clarkson. Patricia has achieved great success in Hollywood, starring in films such as “The Green Mile,” “Pieces of April,” and “Sharp Objects.” Despite her daughter’s fame, Jackie Clarkson remained humble and focused on her own work in public service.
Clarkson’s passing has been met with an outpouring of condolences from friends, colleagues, and members of the community. Mayor LaToya Cantrell praised Clarkson as a “true public servant” who dedicated her life to making New Orleans a better place. Patricia Clarkson also paid tribute to her mother, describing her as a “strong, compassionate, and loving woman” who inspired her every day.
Jackie Clarkson leaves behind a lasting legacy in New Orleans politics and a family who will always remember her as a devoted mother and grandmother. Her impact on the city will be felt for years to come, as she inspired others to follow in her footsteps and work towards a better future for all residents of New Orleans. Rest in peace, Jackie Clarkson.
