Dr. Kenneth Thomas Jackson, Sr.
Passed 08/18/2022
In Kenneth’s younger years, he had an enormous fear of death. Due to this fear, Kenneth told the Lord that he wanted to know what it was like to die without really dying. At 19 years old, God performed a significant miracle in his life by allowing him to drown and die. The doctors didn’t expect him to make it and told his parents that if he lived he would be brain dead. His Mother, the Late Sarah W. Jackson, asked for the entire Progressive Church to pray for him. God asked him if he wanted to come back or stay with him. He told God that he wanted to come back because he “wanted to share the love of Christ to many more people.” God granted his request, performed the miracle, and brought him back. Due to the miraculous power of God and the purpose he still had to fulfill on earth, God extended his life by 51 years.
On February 5, 1977, Kenneth Thomas Jackson married the love of his life, Josiland Waller and of this union came 6 children and 14 grandchildren who will live out their legacy and carry their vision forward.
Dr. Kenneth Thomas Jackson, Sr leaves to cherish wonderful memories, his wife of 45 years, Josiland W. Jackson; 6 Children; Kenneth (Melinda) Thomas Jackson, Jr of SC, La’Monte Jackson of GA, Timothy (Andrea) Jackson of NC, Kenesha (Amin) Sampson of GA, Joi Jackson of SC, and Jonathan Jackson of GA. 14 Grandchildren; De’Aveyon Harney, Tierra Thomas, Jacob Howard, Kenneth “Izayah” Jackson, Kaitlynn Jackson, Kaileigh Jackson, Jayda Howard, Kendal Jackson, Khristian Jackson, Jerry Howard, Amari Sampson, Solomon Jackson, Jessica Jackson, and Jamie Jackson. God-Son, Christian K. Jones. Siblings; Judith Gandy, Edward (Carmen) Jackson, Rosemounda “Peggy” Butler, Ella (Oscar) Davis, Essie McClendon, and Curtis (Sharon) Jackson.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Calvin Jackson, his youngest sister, Marcia Jackson, brother in laws; Charlie Butler, Sr, Charles McClendon, Benny Gandy, and foster brother, Seth Culler. Cherishing Memories: Mother in law, Jimmie H. Winningham, Brother in laws; La’Monte (Joyce) Waller, Leo (Rhonda) Waller, and Sister in law; Faye Mathis. Kenneth also leaves a host of other relatives, friends, and church family to cherish his memories.
Dr. Kenneth Thomas Jackson, Sr’s life has impacted a plethora of people who he “adopted” as his children and mentees within the GA and SC school systems and throughout multiple churches. His love for God, people, and music transcended cultures, religious affiliation, and race. Kenneth never met a stranger and his life exemplified God’s grace, love, and compassion for all of mankind. His empathetic spirit, love for others, love for his family, and love to worship and praise God helped to connect many others to him through music. In his last moments, Kenneth was still fulfilling the purpose and assignment that extended his life 51 years ago to share the love of Christ to many more people. He spoke life even when it looked like death, he encouraged when others discouraged, he loved those who felt they were unlovable, he taught those who were considered unteachable, and pointed those who were lost to Christ. He lived his life in the same way he departed this life, with a song of praise and worship on his lips and giving God the glory! Dr. Kenneth Thomas Jackson, Sr’s legacy will forever live on through his children, grandchildren, and generations to come.
“To Josiland, I will always love you.” “To My Siblings, I love you, I just can’t say it
Dr. Jackson passed away Thursday, August 18, 2022, at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.
There will be no public viewing; however, you may visit the family and share expressions of love on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at Pine Grove AME Church, Columbia, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The family respectfully requests no visitation at the residence. Family and friends may call Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg, SC.
Please adhere to all COVID-19 precautions and wear a mask.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.simmonsfuneralhome.com