Mr. Theodore Jackson's Obituary
Ted’s Family Origin: On April 27, 1932 God blessed Lona and Macon Jackson with a healthy, red haired baby boy. Upon seeing their newborn son, they decided to name him Theodore, which means, “ Gift from God.” Though throughout his life he would be affectionately called Ted by nearly everyone he knew, his mother always called him Theodore as a reminder of what a gift he was to her. Ted was one of seven children born to Lona and Macon Jackson. Their family bond remained strong throughout their lives and through the passing of parents and siblings who have gone on before him. As Ted grew, it became clear to all who knew him that God had given him a kind and giving spirit. He loved his family and friends and would do anything he could to help them and anyone else in need.
Ted’s Education and Career: Ted attended Vick Elementary School and Darden High School in Wilson, North Carolina. Upon graduation from high school, he attended North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina. Ted did not graduate during his first college tenure. Instead, he left school in 1956 to join the army out of duty to his country and the desire to serve. He served in the armed forces as a medic until 1962. He later returned to North Carolina A&T and obtained a B.S. in Social Work. He continued his education at the University of West Virginia where he earned a masters in Social Work. Ted loved helping people, so he loved this area of work. He could be heard saying he couldn’t believe that he was getting paid to do what he loved doing so much. Ted worked in his capacity as a social worker for Children and Youth Services in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and later in school social work, retiring from the Benton Harbor, Michigan School District in 2005.
Ted’s Wife and Children: On June 8, 1963, Ted married Elsie Jean Pitt. They remained happily married for 54 years until his passing. God blessed them with two lovely daughters, Charlene Manier and Jobina Ann Scott. Ted was a true family man and loved them all very much.
Ted’s Abiding Faith: When Ted was about 13 years old he was introduced to the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) faith by Pastor E.C. Ward. Even as a young man he loved the Lord and was baptized into the church. After he married Elsie, they recommitted their lives to God together and joined the Dupont Park SDA Church, Washington, DC in March of 1964 where they gained many friendships and grew in their walk with the Lord. Ted loved sharing his faith, talking about the goodness of Jesus and sharing advice in general. Most who know him have spent time in conversation with him where he shared all of the above in earnest and in deepest love and care.
Ted’s Travels: Ted and Elsie lived in many cities throughout their married life, making their home in Washington D.C, Greensboro, NC, Morgantown, WV, Pittsburgh, PA, Berrien Springs, MI, Mandeville, Jamaica and finally, Houston, TX. Their globetrotting didn’t stop at just their residences throughout the years. They indulged their mutual love of traveling visiting locals in the Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and all over the United States.
Ted was beloved by so many and his passing leaves an unfillable space in his family, his church and the vast network of friends that are like family the world over.
He leaves to mourn his death, his wife, Elsie Jean, Pearland, TX; two daughters, Charlene Manier (Mark), Nashville, TN and Jobina Ann Scott (Kevin), Pearland, TX; grandchildren Jasmine Kaylea Forde, Nashville, TN, Kennedy Joelle Best and Kaden Lamar Scott, Pearland, TX; great grandchildren Kaylea and Bryson Forde, Nashville, TN; two sisters Dorothy McGuire, Freehold, NJ and Laverne Dean, Pittsburgh, PA; two sisters-in-law Jessie Irene Johnson (Robert), Irvington, NJ and Ruby Graham, Newark, NJ; one brother-in-law, William Pitt, Washington, D.C. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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