Obituary
Johnny L Jackson Sr. was born in Quitman, Georgia on March 8th, 1942 to the late Isiah Jackson and Helen Jackson-Stokes. He was the youngest of 5 siblings: Eldest Sister Hazel, Brother Nathaniel, Brother Bobby, and Sister Annie. For many years, Johnny worked with his father on the farm in the fields. He desired a different life than farming, but this meant leaving his home in Georgia. He made the decision to leave the agricultural lifestyle, and along with his brother Bobby, headed north and settled in New Jersey. There he found work and met his first wife Catherine Jackson. They married and were blessed with three children, Marquita, Annette, and John Jr. After 17 years of marriage, Johnny and Catherine parted ways.
In 1979, Johnny remarried a nurses aide named Gloria Starr Watson. Soon after, they were blessed with two sons, Johnathan and Matthew. Johnny was a hard worker and had a very strong work ethic. From working in the fields in Valdosta Georgia to becoming a manager at Pathmark, a large grocery chain, he never complained and taught his children the importance of hard work and taking care of the family. Although he officially retired in 2001, he did not stop working. He found odd jobs to continue supporting his family until the passing of Gloria in 2016. In his time of mourning, Johnny found a new calling, a religious one. He found Jehovah. This new family helped him learn the ways of the Jehovahʼs Witness. He dedicated most of his time to reading the Bible and worshiping. When not studying the Bible, he would joke with family and spend time with his best friend Zeus. He loved being a grandfather and he loved to talk to and spend time with his siblings and grandchildren. He would always joke and tell stories about his life.
On Thursday, August 6, 2020, Johnny entered the realm of eternal life peacefully at home in Irvington, NJ, surrounded by close family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Isiah Jackson, and Helen Jackson-Stokes; siblings Hazel Jackson and Nathaniel Jackson; and his wife Gloria Starr Jackson.
Those who are left with unforgettable memories are his children: Marquita Jackson, Annette (Sissy) Peagler, John Jackson Jr.(Marshall), Johnathan Jackson (Portia), and Matthew Jackson; Grandchildren: John Preston Jackson III, Larissa Jackson, Morgan Peagler-Gaines, Denise Peagler-Watson, Nikita Jackson, Winston Jackson, Andrea Brewer, Marshall- Patrick Tyler, Madison Jackson, Hannah Jackson, James Smith-Robinson, Great-grandchildren Levi Jackson and Aamiyah Jackson; His brother Bobby Jackson (Earnestine), his sister Ruth Jackson Carter; Sisters in law: Phyllis Watson, Marion Watson, Torey Watson Powell (Lee); Special friend: Mark Thomas, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other family
members and friends.
Johnny will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend. All who loved him dearly will never forget his wit, his smile, and dedication to his family and Jehovah.
(Poem)
We Hold You Close
We hold you close, within our hearts,
And there you shall remain,
To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.
So rest in peace Dear loved one,
And thanks for all you've done,
We pray that God has given you,
The crown you've truly won.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT For all the kindness you have shown - we thank you!
For the sympathy in sorrowing days – we thank you! For your friendship and healing touch – we thank you! With gratitude our hearts are full. Though words cannot convey the tender thoughts and thankfulness we hold for you today – We love and thank you!
Special thanks – St. Barnabas Hospice Nurses and staff for their kindness, support, and care of our loved one.
To Mr. Mark Thomas who was an anchor in his life. Mark was a friend, mentor, and extended son. Mark took the time to usher him to and from the hall while praying with him until he was called to be a soldier in the army of God. Thank you and the Jehovah family.
The Family of Johnny L. Jackson Thank You!
Guestbook