SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Sangamon County community is reeling from heartbreak following the tragic and untimely death of Rekeea Jackson-Mason, a 36-year-old woman from Chatham, Illinois, whose life was tragically cut short in the early hours of Sunday morning, July 20, 2025.
Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon confirmed that Rekeea was pronounced deceased at 3:11 a.m. following an incident that is now under active investigation by Springfield Police and other authorities. Preliminary reports indicate that emergency services were called to the scene in the early morning hours, where they found Rekeea unresponsive. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, she was later declared deceased at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
The news has left family, friends, and neighbors in disbelief and mourning the sudden loss of a woman remembered for her strength, her compassion, and the vibrant spirit she carried into every space she entered.
Rekeea Jackson-Mason was so much more than a name in a tragic headline. She was a mother, daughter, sister, friend, and an inspiring soul who touched countless lives through her love, generosity, and unshakable resilience. Born and raised in central Illinois, Rekeea built a life grounded in family, faith, and community. Those closest to her speak of a woman who was fiercely loyal, deeply compassionate, and always willing to lend her time and energy to others — especially to her children, who were the center of her world.
“She was our rock,” said a family member, through tears. “Rekeea was the one we all leaned on. No matter what she was going through, she made time for everyone — with love, with wisdom, and with grace.”
Professionally, Rekeea worked in the caregiving and healthcare field, roles that perfectly matched her natural inclination to nurture and protect others. Her coworkers describe her as dependable, warmhearted, and deeply invested in the wellbeing of her clients and patients. In her personal life, she was known for her radiant smile, her infectious laugh, and the way she made everyone feel welcome, seen, and valued.
Friends recall countless memories — from birthday celebrations and church events, to quiet moments of support and laughter — that speak to the genuine love Rekeea poured into the people around her. Her presence had a way of softening even the hardest days and inspiring hope where it was needed most.
“I don’t know anyone who could uplift a room the way she could,” a longtime friend said. “Rekeea had that rare kind of light in her — steady, comforting, and always shining, even when life got hard.”
As the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding her passing, the Springfield and Chatham communities are coming together in grief and in love, holding vigils and prayer circles to honor Rekeea’s life and offer strength to her family. A GoFundMe page has been started to assist with funeral expenses and support for her children during this deeply painful time.
Coroner Jim Allmon noted that an autopsy is scheduled, and further details will be released as they become available. However, the focus for many remains on remembering Rekeea not by the tragedy that took her, but by the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.
Plans for a memorial service will be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, messages of condolence, photos, and personal tributes continue to flood social media, a testament to how many hearts Rekeea touched in her 36 years.
As we reflect on this painful loss, we remember Rekeea Jackson-Mason as a beacon of strength, love, and kindness — a woman whose legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Though her life was cut short far too soon, her spirit remains — in the lives she lifted, the children she loved beyond measure, and the community now carrying her memory forward.
Rest in peace, Rekeea. You will be forever missed and always remembered.
Leave a Reply