Alyssa Jackson, age 35 of Canton, passed away on January 4, 2026. She was born in San Jose, California, on Friday, February 2nd at 6:39 a.m., and from the very beginning, she had a way of making herself known. She entered the world with a light that immediately drew people in, quickly finding a home in the hearts of everyone around her. Even her self-described “Grumpy Grandpa” George was no match for her charm. Before long, he became her best buddy, taking on his role not just as her grandfather but as a guide and role model with great seriousness. He cared deeply about how he treated her and even extended that care and respect to Alyssa’s imaginary friends.

As Alyssa grew, so did her world and her personality. She was spirited, confident, and wonderfully sure of herself. She famously made her dad sit in the back seat when they first met and insisted her mom keep both hands on the wheel while driving. Alyssa moved through life as a force to be reckoned with. She was fearless in trying new things and always searching for ways to express the energy and creativity that lived inside her. She played softball, demanded quality time with her grandparents, and cherished every moment spent with her younger cousins.

When her sister was born, Alyssa claimed her instantly. The bond between them was deep and immediate, filled with love, laughter, and a connection that only grew stronger with time. At age 11, Alyssa and her family moved to Sacramento. Nervous but excited, she embraced the adventure ahead. Middle school opened new doors, including joining the school band. While it may not have seemed significant at first, it became her first true glimpse of the world beyond her own. Through band, Alyssa traveled to New York and Canada, forming friendships and memories that would last a lifetime. Living in Sacramento also meant becoming close with cousins her own age. Together they spent endless days swimming, choreographing pool dances, having heartfelt “Teen Talks,” and making sure her little sister was not spying at the door.

After high school, Alyssa began a meaningful journey of self-discovery. She explored different jobs and educational paths while continuing to be a joyful, goofy presence in her sister’s life. During this time, she embraced her role as a big sister with new purpose. She drove her sister wherever she needed to go, did her hair for every school event, and patiently taught her how to use makeup. This chapter inspired Alyssa to put herself first. She worked to become healthier both mentally and physically, rediscovering her love for being active and transforming her life with determination and care.

Around this time, Alyssa had already met someone special online, though few knew it then. In 2014, Alyssa and Greg took a leap of faith and met in person for the first time in San Francisco. They spent the weekend wandering the city, laughing, discovering hidden corners, and falling naturally into rhythm with one another. Greg knew almost immediately that Alyssa was the person he wanted to spend his life with, and Alyssa showed him how full and joyful life could be when you truly belong to someone.

Over the following year, they took every opportunity to see each other, traveling across the country and meeting each other’s families. When Alyssa met Sydney, Greg’s daughter, she felt she had found her place, as though she were a missing puzzle piece in the Jackson family. Choosing love meant taking the biggest risk of her life, but Alyssa never wanted to live with regret. With remarkable courage, she chose love and loved back with a fierceness that defined her.

In 2015, Alyssa moved from California to Michigan to build a life with Greg. She embraced her new home with open arms, always ready for adventure, even if she occasionally passed on one of Greg’s more ambitious hikes. She stepped into motherhood with grace and devotion, becoming not just a parent to Sydney but her safe place, her biggest cheerleader, and her guiding light. From quiet mornings at home to music concerts filled with dancing and smiles, Alyssa poured herself into caring for and loving her family.

Alyssa found joy in the everyday rhythms of life. She loved cardio drumming, feeling strong and alive through movement. She loved cooking and sharing meals made with warmth and intention. Crime stories captivated her, and she delighted in unraveling mysteries. She adored Theodore, her English bulldog, whom she proudly called her son and who filled her days with laughter and unconditional love.

In 2018, Greg proposed in a way that perfectly reflected their story. He crafted a wooden box filled with poems, each hiding a letter. When the letters were unscrambled, they revealed a hidden message that led to his proposal. The box sat quietly on the coffee table for hours until Alyssa, curious and patient, discovered its secret. Of course, she said yes. In 2019, they were married at Quail Lodge in Monterey, California, surrounded by love, laughter, and the undeniable sense that two lives had joined exactly as they were meant to.

From the moment Alyssa met Greg’s family, she fit seamlessly into their lives. She had an extraordinary ability to make people feel seen, valued, and at home. Alyssa lived a life full of yeses, yes to love, to courage, to joy, and to connection. She was radiant, smiling, and deeply loving, and her presence brought warmth wherever she went.

Alyssa’s absence leaves an immeasurable ache, but her love, her courage, and her light live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Alyssa is survived by her beloved husband, Gregory, and her daughter, Sydney. Her parents, David and Debra Caldwell and her parents-in-law, Lynnwood and Dawn Jackson. Her sister, Emily Caldwell, and her siblings-in-law, Derrick (Keri) Jackson, Kelly Jackson, and Melissa (Christopher) Jackson-Knox. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and her dearest four-legged companion, Theo.

Alyssa was preceded in death by her grandparents, George and Doris Enos.

Alyssa’s family will receive friends on Friday, January 16th, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at McCabe Funeral Home - Canton Chapel, 851 N. Canton Center Road, Canton. Alyssa's Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 17th, at 11:00 a.m., at Christian Love Fellowship Ministries, 1601 Stamford Road, Superior Township, with a time of gathering beginning at 10:00 a.m. Following her service, Alyssa will be laid to rest in Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery, Flat Rock. 

In lieu of flowers, and with grateful hearts, the family kindly asks that those who are able consider making a donation in Alyssa’s memory. Contributions may be made through the GoFundMe established in her honor at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-alyssas-funeral-memorial .

For those attending Alyssa's Funeral Service, the digital Order of Service program can be found at :

Digital Order of Service Program for Alyssa Jackson