Joseph Henry Jackson

JOSEPH HENRY JACKSON, SR., Joseph Henry Jackson, Sr., son of William Henry Jackson and Rosa Jackson, was born on March 12, 1924, in Abbeville, South Carolina. Joseph was one of 15 children. Joseph received his education in the Abbeville School System. In 1943 Joseph decided to militarily serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army from which he received and honorable discharge. In 1945, Joseph decided to pursue personal dreams and relocated to Baltimore, Maryland.Joseph met and fell in love with Mary Reaves in 1950. They began a romantic relationship, and after three (3) years of courting Mary, Joseph proposed marriage, and she accepted his hand in holy matrimony. They were married on April 4, 1953, and their marriage lasted for nearly 53 years. While Joseph’s temperament was considered mild, he loved very much the spirited Mary Reaves. Upon his marriage to Mary Reaves, Joseph became the first son-in-law of Elder Neal Reaves, Sr., and Mother Novella Harrington Reaves. The relationship between Joseph and his in-laws evolved into a unique bond in which his father-in-law and mother-in-law referred to him as their son rather than son-in-law.Immediately after arriving in Baltimore, Joseph became employed at Bethlehem Steel Company, at the facility located in Sparrow Point, Maryland, commonly referred to as “The Point”. He remained at Bethlehem Steel Company until his retirement in 1981. Subsequent to his retirement from The Point, he drove a taxicab. His easy-going persona and love for conversation made driving a cab the perfect way to supplement his income. Joseph did not view working in public transportation merely as a job, but often spoke of interesting experiences and conversations that he and customers were engaged in. The different people whom he met, as well as the variety of conversations kept Joseph abreast of world events, and he had an opinion about every subject. Joseph continued to drive a cab until his health prevented him from doing so.Joseph soon joined his wife in serving God and became a member at The First Apostolic Faith Church under the pastorate of Bishop Winfield A. Showell. Willing to serve in a capacity in which he would be responsible for welcoming the saints and visitors into the House of God, Joseph became a member of the Usher Board. As a member of this auxiliary, his financial savvy was utilized as he was appointed Business Manager. Joseph was a dedicated member of the Senior Usher Board for over 30 years. He enjoyed planning their annual trip to Dutch Country.Joseph, who was affectionately called “Joe” by family members and friends, was a soft-spoken gentleman, and was known for his sense of humor and relentless teasing. Whenever a moment became tensed, he knew exactly how to restore calm, and in no time, the tense moment was forgotten. The union of Joseph and Mary included Timothy, Titus, Brenda, Jacqueline, Jeanette, Joseph Jr., and Kenneth. Joseph was a nurturing father, who was never shy about openly displaying love and devotion to his family. Responding to this man who was considered a giant in stature and girth, but humble in love and spirit, some family members used a pet name when speaking to or about him. They lovingly called him Daddy Love, Daddy O, or Fatso. To ensure that the family he and Mary created stayed connected to his roots; Joseph was a loyal participant in the Jackson Family Reunion. After a lengthy illness, Joseph passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2006. He leaves to cherish all of the qualities that defined him as a gently and loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, his loving wife of 53 years, Mary Jackson, five (5) sons, Timothy Davis (Sharon), Titus Spruiel (Marlene) Joseph Jackson, Jr., Kenneth Jackson, Darryl Smith; four (4) daughters, Brenda Davis (Tommy), Jacqueline Wilson (Irving), Jeanette Jackson, Tanya Johnson; one (1) sister, Carrie Wyche; 16 grandchildren 12 great-great grandchildren; 1 great-great-great grandchildren; eighteen (18) brothers & sisters in-law, William Black, James Reaves, Sr., Marion Reaves (Odell), Johnnie Reaves, Alfred Reaves (Marlene), Timothy Reaves (Shirley), Michael Reaves and Joel Reaves (Denise), Joyce Gilliard (Thomas) Janet Green (Paul), Pamela Reaves-Scriber (Reginald)….and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Tributes

Joseph Henry Jackson

March 12, 1924 - March 25, 2006