Clifford Jackson, Sr

Clifford “Jack” Jackson Sr., age 86, made his transition to eternal life on March 15, 2022. Clifford was born on June 20, 1935, to Samuel and Toncie Jackson in Bessemer, Alabama. He attended Carver Junior High School, Muscoda Junior High School, and later Dunbar High School where he graduated. Clifford always put God first and was a true servant of the Lord. He was baptized at an early age under the late G.W. Gardner, of Mt Hebron Baptist Church. In Columbus, he and his wife joined Mt. Period Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Jerry M. Carter Sr. on October 30, 1979.

Clifford was a hardworking man who held many jobs throughout his lifetime; he managed stores and gas stations before finally landing at Columbus Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). For over 30 years, Clifford worked at COTA as a bus driver where he was well respected by both his colleagues and passengers. He would be given many awards including Operator of the Year throughout his time at COTA.

It would be hard to tell Clifford’s story without including his wife and partner for over 60 years, Ella Jackson or as he affectionately called her, Mama. Clifford would often say that he remembered seeing Ella on the playground as children and even then, he knew that she would be his wife. The two were married on September 2,1954 in Mississippi and eventually moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1958. There was no doubt in this world that Ella loved Clifford, and that Clifford loved Ella. The word soulmate can at times be overused, but there is no better term to describe the union that was Jack and Beadie. His style matched her elegance, his strength complimented hers, she was the neck, and he was the head, it was as if they were meant to walk this earth together as one. Their signature matching clothes was just a minor display of the connection that they shared. There is no doubt in our mind that when he transitioned to go Home to the Lord, she was there waiting for him with a blue suit and hat to match hers, his favorite meal, a warm embrace and the words, “Welcome home Jack, I’ve missed you.”

Clifford is proceeded in death by his parents Samuel and Toncie Jackson; his sisters: Christine Hancock, Emma Jackson and Claudette Mitchell; his sister-in-law Doris Jackson; and finally, his wife and soulmate of 64 years, Ella Jackson.

Clifford e is survived by their children: Juanika (Jerry) Bohanna, Cynthia (Kenneth Jr.) Castleman, and Clifford Jr.; their grandchildren: Katrina (Martize) Sullivan, Keyona Castleman, and Dijone Jackson; their great-grandchildren: Shamir (Chaquala) Burns, Amari Jackson, and Aria Jackson; and their soon to be great-great-grandchild Camira; his brother and best friend, Eddie “Spark” Jackson; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Williams; a host of nieces, and nephews, including special nephew Daryl Jackson.

Clifford will be remembered as a strong, wise man, who was a true provider for his family. He was respected and revered by all who knew him. It is truly unimaginable to live in a world without him, but we find peace in the fact that he and his wife are together again forever.

Visitation 11:00am and Funeral 12:00pm Friday, March 25, 2022 at Mt Period Baptist Church, 462 Kimball Place.

Entombment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

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