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Dr. Kenneth Thomas Jackson, Sr.

Passed 08/18/2022

Obituary For Dr. Kenneth Thomas Jackson, Sr.

Funeral services for Dr. Kenneth Thomas Jackson, Sr., 70, of Columbia, SC, will be held 12:30 p.m., Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Pine Grove AME Church, 120 Steward Drive, Columbia, SC.

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


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Condolences & Tributes

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Patricia L Walker sent Divine Light for Dr. Kenneth Thomas Jackson, Sr. - August 26, 2022

Our Deepest Condolences - The Walker Family Betty, Patricia, Tara, Wanda, Anthony & Family

Send flowers for Dr. Kenneth Thomas Jackson, Sr.

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was sent for Dr. Kenneth Thomas Jackson, Sr. - August 25, 2022

My condolences to the Jackson family, I pray that God will continue to Comfort and strengthen your family in this time of need. Mr. Jackson and Mrs. Josiland were so kind, loving and compassionate towards me when I was a member of Orangeburg Wilkinson High School Band. I loved them dearly; I am sure Mr. Jackson will be missed by those who knew him.

Our sincere Condolences and Prayers of comfort are with The Jackson Family. The Jones Family Loganville Ga

My sincere condolences to the Jackson Family,Dr Kenneth Jackson and his Wife has been a blessing in the music ministry for so many years and was so honored to be blessed by it Marie Muldrow Mack

We were saddened upon hearing of this Earthly Loss; but we rejoice in the heavenly Transitioning of your beloved, Brother Kenneth Jackson. He will be immensely missed from our midst, but the sweet memories of such a kind hearted soul will be lasting in our hearts. Always know that the Jackson family holds a special connection in our hearts. Our sincere condolences family, Sis. Douglas, Ivin & Renee. Ps. Thank you for sharing one of the Worlds gifted musicians-

Mr William G & Claudia W Clarke

"Professor" was my title for Kenneth. He was my classmate and a dear friend,one who I will forever treasure. To the family, I know that he is resting in peace and you all will miss his physical body, but he is in his spiritual form now, and will always be with you. I will treasure his music, his encouragement, and comforting nature. May God bless and keep you.

To the family and church family of Dr. Kenneth Jackson please accept my condolences for your loss. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Thanking God for Bro. Jackson sharing his musical gifts, talent and knowledge in the music ministry in Columbia, SC over the 20 years I was in Progressive Church. His kind spirit and music will be missed. Praying for the family to be much encouraged during their season of grief. Florence Woods, Jacksonville, FL

Our hearts go out to you all, we truly will miss Uncle Kenneth and will keep the whole family in our prayers. Love you all, ❤️ David & Sarah Glenn

My heart goes out to my family in this time of lose. I pray that you stay encouraged and uplifted knowing that Uncle Kenneth was an amazing man who has gone home to be with the Lord! I wish I could come and be with you as you celebrate his life and legacy on Saturday! Just know I'm praying for you and I'm here for you. I love you!

Uncle Kenneth thank you for being so incredible. I don't get to spend a large amount of time with you but the moments we had were so impactful on my life. You inspired me to never give up on my love for music, and your words of encouragement meant the world! Rest now in the safety of the Lord!

Love Rachel Jackson

My deepest condolences...You were not only my band teacher, you were also family. You will be missed. My prayers are with the Jackson Family. Patricia Walker & Family

My deepest condolences...You were not only my band teacher, you were also family. You will be missed. My prayers are with the Jackson Family.

Enjoyed the opportunities to hear and be taught by one of the greatest music and Sunday School teachers inside and outside of the church. We are definitely praying comfort for the Jackson family(love you guys) Louis Stacks II

We are so sorry for the loss of Kenneth. He was a loved husband and father, talented musician, teacher and mentor, and a dedicated community member. Truly a life well lived.

In our family community we could always count on Kenneth to be with cousin Josiland at the family reunions. He always had a hug and warm smile for everyone. We will miss him.

The Lord bless you all, keep you and give you peace.

With love, The Jenkins Family

We are so sorry for the loss of Kenneth. He was a loved husband and father, talented musician, teacher and mentor, and a dedicated community member. Truly a life well lived.

In our family community we could always count on Kenneth to be with cousin Josiland at the family reunions. He always had a hug and warm smile for everyone. We will miss him.

The Lord bless you all, keep you and give you peace.

With love, The Jenkins Family

We are so sorry for the loss of Kenneth. He was a loved husband and father, talented musician, teacher and mentor, and a dedicated community member. Truly a life well lived.

In our family community we could always count on Kenneth to be with cousin Josiland at the family reunions. He always had a hug and warm smile for everyone. We will miss him.

The Lord bless you all, keep you and give you peace.

With love, The Jenkins Family

We are so sorry for the loss of Kenneth. He was a loved husband and father, talented musician, teacher and mentor, and a dedicated community member. Truly a life well lived.

In our family community we could always count on Kenneth to be with cousin Josiland at the family reunions. He always had a hug and warm smile for everyone. We will miss him.

The Lord bless you all, keep you and give you peace.

With love, The Jenkins Family

We are so sorry for the loss of Kenneth. He was a loved husband and father, talented musician, teacher and mentor, and a dedicated community member. Truly a life well lived.

In our family community we could always count on Kenneth to be with cousin Josiland at the family reunions. He always had a hug and warm smile for everyone. We will miss him.

The Lord bless you all, keep you and give you peace.

With love, The Jenkins Family

We are so sorry for the loss of Kenneth. He was a loved husband and father, talented musician, teacher and mentor, and a dedicated community member. Truly a life well lived.

In our family community we could always count on Kenneth to be with cousin Josiland at the family reunions. He always had a hug and warm smile for everyone. We will miss him.

The Lord bless you all, keep you and give you peace.

With love, The Jenkins Family

We are so sorry for the loss of Kenneth. He was a loved husband and father, talented musician, teacher and mentor, and a dedicated community member. Truly a life well lived.

In our family community we could always count on Kenneth to be with cousin Josiland at the family reunions. He always had a hug and warm smile for everyone. We will miss him.

The Lord bless you all, keep you and give you peace.

With love, The Jenkins Family

We are so sorry for the loss of Kenneth. He was a loved husband and father, talented musician, teacher and mentor, and a dedicated community member. Truly a life well lived.

In our family community we could always count on Kenneth to be with cousin Josiland at the family reunions. He always had a hug and warm smile for everyone. We will miss him.

The Lord bless you all, keep you and give you peace.

With love, The Jenkins Family

We are so sorry for the loss of Kenneth. He was a loved husband and father, talented musician, teacher and mentor, and a dedicated community member. Truly a life well lived.

In our family community we could always count on Kenneth to be with cousin Josiland at the family reunions. He always had a hug and warm smile for everyone. We will miss him.

The Lord bless you all, keep you and give you peace.

With love, The Jenkins Family

We are so sorry for the loss of Kenneth. He was a loved husband and father, talented musician, teacher and mentor, and a dedicated community member. Truly a life well lived.

In our family community we could always count on Kenneth to be with cousin Josiland at the family reunions. He always had a hug and warm smile for everyone. We will miss him.

The Lord bless you all, keep you and give you peace.

With love, The Jenkins Family

My prayers and thoughts goes out to the Jackson's family. No words can express my deep feelings of lost. I knew him as co-worker and a brother in Christ. He will be missed but never forgotten!! Happy 🙌🏽❤️

Our Deepest Condolence to the jackson Family! Will never forget this amazing man and his music also his wonderful family and children. Received his last CD with music. Thank you for sharing this journey of life for so many in the Music World and God has already got the Glory! The Glaster Family. California and South Carolina.

I will remember and cherish our days always and forever. Family, I pray God's strength and comfort be yours today and all tomorrows. Love you all❤️ Thalia

The strength of the family is an enduring testimony to the legacy of our brother, Dr. Kenneth Jackson, Sr. You all will remain in our thoughts and prayers for a very long time. Much love to each of you.

Elder Timothy Bullock

The strength of the family is an enduring testimony to the legacy of our brother, Dr. Kenneth Jackson, Sr. You all will remain in our thoughts and prayers for a very long time. Much love to each of you.

I am very sorry to learn of Dr. Jackson's passing. A superior musician, I was a formate Band student of his at Brookdale Middle in Orangeburg. Under his guidance, I was able to have a dream realized of becoming a musician... I thank him for opening that door for me. Offering prayers and condolences to his wife and family. William R. Davis, Jr. Educator

Sending prayers to the Jackson family.

Justin Norman and family

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jackson Family. May his memory be a blessing and comfort to you all. - Dr. Dana Celeste Robinson (daughter of Sister Dorothy Knox Robinson)

Praying for continued strength for the family. Peace and blessings. Govan-Dyches Family

Our Prayers And Condolences are with The Jackson Family And The Progressive Church Family! The Reed Family

My condolences to the Jackson family the wright family

Calvin Simmons: I was 14 years old when I took up "Beginning Piano Lesson" while at the Progressive Church in the late 60s or early 70s. Kenneth and Durant and Elder Calvin Jackson taught me to play hymns out of the "Broadman Hymnal" book. I was one of his first student at his Millwood Studio for new pianists. He was college a student at USC majoring in Music. I got good enough to play on Sunday morning in the Jackson's family absence...hymnals only.

I am older now and think about a reunion on the other side where I will have a baby grand piano and play with the Jackson Family again. What a time that will be. I would like to play Amazing Grace and Precious Lord by ear with some razzle-dazzle. I have even started sing as a "Baritone" not a "Tenor" from choir day at the Progressive Church.

Well, one day Hollywood will make a "Documentary or Movie" of my life from my memoir--High Noon V: "America's Racism--Am I Next?" The Progressive church and the Jackson family and others will be in it. I cannot deny or forget the happy days of my youth during the 1960s and 1970s. I still want to understand more about the "Circle of Fifths" in music. Bro. Calvin Simmons

My sincere condolences to the Jackson family. You all were my second family growing up and will always be. Brother Jackson will always have a special place in my heart. My youth choir director and so much more. He has touched so many through his ministry of music. He was talented and had a passion for music. Brother Jackson will truly be missed. My love to you all. Linda Fleming

To the Jackson family, we offer our love, prayers and condolences. I've been knowing your family since childhood. One of the most loving families ever;I must say. We are still in shock but God knows best. Hang in there, please continue to live and keep the legend going that he left behind. I spoke to him on the phone he said, "I need a miracle." He told us all that he loved us, my family and I. We prayed so hard for him to make it. He is in a better place now, his soul is in paradise.

The skit we performed over 30 years ago has been echoing in my ear since he passed, "Here comes Jesus, Here comes Jesus, where, where?" Words will not suffice how I already miss him so. He and Sis.J. we're the reason I subscribed to fb only 5 months ago. We lost touch when I went off to start my second part of life...family. I was living in Baltimore and my thoughts were often of them so we reconnected. Now the kids have kids the sizes and ages I last saw them at. He was my brother, my father, my support system my introduction to what a TRUE man should be like. First loving the Lord and secondly his family. He gave me my first piano lesson just weeks ago.He will always hold a place in my heart and memory. I thank God for loaning him to me! RIP!!!

Prayers And Condolences Are With The Jackson Family And The Progressive Church Family. Love Sis Marita

To paraphrase the lyricist....

"May the works Kenneth has done speak for him.
 May the life Kenneth lived speak for him. May the service Kenneth gave speak for him. 
Now, Kenneth is resting in his grave,
there is nothing to be said;
 May the works Kenneth has done, speak for him. 
When the best Kenneth tried to live,
his mistakes God will forgive;
May the life Kenneth lived
 speak for him."

Truly Kenneth did the work, lived the life, gave the service and did his best; as son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, mentor, educator, musician and humble servant. We pray that God has said, "well done and welcome home, My Son, Kenneth."...........RIP-BIL

Sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Kenneth JaGckson I was fortunate to be able to be in his presence playing the organ many years ago may God give the family Strength in this difficult time. Charles Dunlap sr.

With our deepest sympathy we are sending our love to you all during this heart felt moment, praying that Gods love will keep you all.

LOVE DALE & VICTORIA SMITH FAMILYT

Lord please help us!! My deepest condolences and prayers for Sister Jackson and the family! May the Lord of comfort strengthen you and give you His peace!! Rest in Jesus Brother Kenny!! Elder George and sister Elizabeth Dennis

I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Dr. Kenneth Jackson. He was a great musician. His great talent helped make the Walter Piper singers album reality. I'm sure he will be missed.

Walter Piper Jr.

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.Jackson family, let not your hearts be heavy. Trust God to know and do what is best. Our prayer is for the Spirit of the living God to comfort you in these hours of grief.Hold on to God's Word and His unchanging hand. The Lord will see you through. Reverend Clarence Carmichael and family.Ewing N.J.

Mrs Josalind,Kenesha,Amari and the rest of the Jackson family I was saddened to hear of the passing of your loved one. Prayers And Condolences Are With the Jackson Family. Gloria Moore and family Raleigh NC

Brother Kenneth Jackson Will Truly Be Missed. I've Always Enjoy Hearing Him Play The Piano And Sing My Favorite Song, I Was Heal By The Wound In His Side. Take Your Rest!!!!! Sister Jacqueline Washington And Brother Thomas Washington.

Our Prayers And Condolences Are With The Jackson Family And The Progressive Church Family.

Our Prayers And Condolences Are With The Jackson Family And The Progressive Church Family.

I will always remember Kenneth as a young man who loved his music. He was an extraordinary musician, kind and caring man. He is resting with Jesus. I know that words don't really help the grief right now having lost my mom and daughter however I pray for comfort and strength. Mat you remember the happy times and have peace. Love, Frances Ashe-Goins

My sincere sympathy to Josalind and the entire family. Kenny was a fine man and was a joy being around him. Be encouraged through it all.

PRAISE THE LORD, 🙏🙏🙏🙌👏🦋

Mr. Kenneth Jackson was a special brother and a saint. He loved everyone and shared his musical gift from the Lord to all people. He honored all of the senior women as mothers and blended in everywhere he went. I have known him in the Progressive Church all my natural life and respected him as a great teacher. He will be sorely missed. Take you rest. God loved you most. Humbly Submitted, Bishop Paul C. Johnson Progressive Church - Hinesville, Georgia, Gainesville, Florida

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Simmons Funeral Home | Orangeburg, SC

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