David "Bill" Jackson, Sr.

Brother Bill Jackson passed away peacefully at the age of 97, in his home in Oran, Missouri on Tuesday June 28, 2016.

Bill was born May 27, 1919 in Skanly Landing Arkansas to the late Ellis and Luda Mae Jackson. He was the eldest of eight children. After moving to Missouri in 1930, Bill met and married Annie Mae Wiley on October 17, 1937.

For most of his life, Bill was a farmer. His agricultural skills were exceptional because he loved tending the soil, and derived great pleasure from working the land. After Bill retired he enjoyed growing and cultivating his own garden each year. Freely sharing his crop of fruits and vegetables with family, friends, and neighbors gave him great joy. His love for all people was always evident as he consistently lived by his creed, “always treat everybody right.” He truly had such a heart of giving.

Surviving is his son Julius Ellis (Sandra) Jackson of Grand Rapids, Michigan; his daughter Geneva (Rodriguez) Ferdnance of Elkhart, Indiana; daughter-in-law Carol Jackson, sisters-in-law Jean Jackson, Viola Jackson, Alma Jackson, and Laura Jackson. Also surviving are 21 grandchildren, 96 great grandchildren, and 40 great-great grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Annie Mae; his parents Ellis and Luda Mae Jackson, his sons Joe Eddie, David Jr., and his daughter Gloria Jean; his brothers Lewis Virgil “Jack”, George, Johnny “B”, Cecil, Louis, Roy C, and his sister Elizabeth. Also departed are grandsons Rodney Jackson, James Harris 3rd, great-grandson Bryant Knox, and son-in-law James Harris Jr.

A service celebrating Bill’s life will begin at 12 noon Friday July 8, 2016 at New Morning Star Baptist Church, 621 State Highway U, Oran Missouri. Doors will be open at 11 AM for viewing and gathering.
The Reverend Alex Sims will officiate.

Interment will follow in J.C. Pullen Memorial Garden Cemetery in Bell City, Missouri.