Avon Purnell Jackson

Avon Purnell Jackson was born on January 6, 1928. Avon was the beloved fourth child of Thomas and Lillian Jackson. He departed this world on June 17, 2026, surrounded by his family. His siblings that preceded him in death were Doris, Thomas (Buddy), Gloria, Wilbert, William, (Jr.), Emma, Muro, and Maureen. He was also preceded in death by Isabel, his wife and his two daughters Sheila and Maria Jackson, He grew up in a faith-filled family. Always relying on God as his anchor. He received his education in the Baltimore City Public Schools System. At an early age, Avon had a desire to travel and see the world. At the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the Navy. After a short stint in the Navy, he enlisted in the Merchant Marines and had the opportunity to visit many European and Asian countries. Later he joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas where he met the love of his life, Isabel Tarango. After his time with the army, he joined the Maryland National Guard where he received the rank of Sargent First Class. He provided for his family in a variety of jobs, often working several part time jobs alongside his full-time positions. He worked for Morgan State College alongside his brother Wilbert as chief cook. He later worked for the Maryland Training School for Boys, the Maryland State Penitentiary, and finally as military police for the Fifth Regiment Armory. He worked in this position until his retirement in 1985. He always made sure his family had food on the table, a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs, and a good education. Family always came first. He converted to Catholicism a short time after his marriage to Isabel and began his faith journey at St. Francis Xavier Church. He later attended St. James & St. John’s Catholic Church and later the St. Jude Shrine in downtown Baltimore. When he was no longer ambulatory, he would watch weekly Sunday mass on the Catholic Channel. He had a strong faith in God and would always tell his children that there is more than just this life. He talked about eternal life and what joy there would be. Avon had two big passions, cooking and music. He would often spend happy moments on the telephone exchanging recipes with his siblings. Avon, like his siblings, was an excellent cook, although his culinary skills skipped his daughters. He was often heard saying “if you can read a recipe, you can cook”, but his daughters often proved him wrong. Although not a professional musician, Avon liked playing his keyboard but had a passion for the guitar. In earlier times, when living on the east side of Baltimore, he would get together with his neighbor friends and jam. He loved listening to old-time gospel, BB King, and country music. Near the end, you would often hear gospel hymns playing from his bedroom. He was a joy to be around and had a funny sense of humor. He leaves to mourn his sister Laverne Johnson, and Hattie Jackson, sister-in-law; his children, Judith Ellis and Avona Jackson from his first marriage with Julia Jackson who preceded him in death, and his son Kevin Jackson, Chavela Mason, Rosita Jackson, Alicia Perry and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. Avon was truly a rare individual and he will be greatly missed, but he will never be forgotten. For in this life, he mattered and where he stood, there is now a big void.

Tributes

Avon Purnell Jackson

January 6, 1928 - June 17, 2026