Lester Jackson

Lester Jackson, son of the late Jasper and Harriet Jackson was born on July 4th, 1941 in Hiawatha Kansas. He sadly departed this life on July 22nd, 2019 in Baltimore Maryland, after a very lengthy illness. Lester and his family were residents of Harlem New York where Lester was educated and received his high school diploma from the Machine & Metal Trades High School in 1959. After graduation, Lester worked for Continental Can Company, it was at this time, that he also met the love of his life, Edna Black. In 1962, Lester enlisted in the United States Army, and was stationed in Ft. Benning Georgia, it was here that he was trained and became a Paratrooper. In the fall of 1962, Lester went to Vietnam and served a tour of duty for 1 year, he was then promoted to supply sergeant, and returned home in 1963. In March of 1964, Lester married the love of his life Edna at the Convent Baptist Church in Harlem New York. He also obtained his “Scottish Rite” with the Prince Hall Masons in that same year. In 1964, Lester began working for the Post Office and worked for 5 years, then in 1969, Lester took the test for the New York Transit Authority and began working as a bus driver in 1969 until his retirement in 1992. In March of 1972, Lester and Edna welcomed their daughter Erika Renee, and they lived in the Bronx until 1980. In 1980, Lester moved his family to Irvington New Jersey, where he took on a side job as an Irvington Special Police officer. Lester became very active in his church, Calvary Baptist Church, and eventually became a Deacon of the church, and Edna as his Deaconess. In 1992, due to beginning health issues, Lester retired from the New York Transit Authority, then he and Edna moved to Owings Mills, Maryland. Lester and Edna then joined Friendship Baptist Church shortly thereafter in Baltimore, Maryland. After several health issues, Lester had quite a few surgeries, but was still able to maintain a positive attitude and continued to stay active in the church. In the winter of 1993, Lester’s first Grandchild was born, his right-hand Nia. From birth, they were thick as thieves, and were two peas in a pod, he was her “Papa.” In 2008, Lester’s Buddah-Buddah (Taj) was born, and brought him even more joy as a Grandfather, and Taj taught his Papa how to play video games. In Lester’s spare time, he really enjoyed watching golf, reading his Bible, over shopping on the Home Shopping Network, and keeping up with all the latest cell phones (he was personal friends with staff at several Verizon locations…) 😊 In 2012, Lester became ill to a point where he had to receive around the clock care and found his new home in the Veteran’s Administration Loch Raven Long Care Facility. His personal hair stylist (his niece) Val, went every Monday to wash his hair, and kept his beard well groomed. His nephew Troy (Boogaloo), would go to the VA and try to teach him how to use the latest technology, like a laptop. Lester made friends wherever he went, loved to laugh loud, make jokes, give advice, and talk on the phone. He was a devoted husband, father, & family man, as he will be greatly, greatly missed. Lester leaves to mourn; his devoted, dedicated, and loving wife of 55 years, Edna L. Jackson, his loving daughter, Erika Renee (Yasin/Geraldine) Gregg, his beloved grandchildren, Nia T. Brown, and Taj A. Gregg, one sister Carole (Jerry) Minor, sister-in-law’s-Harriet (Willie) Lipscomb, Dorothy (John) Hall, Catherine (Larry) Black, brother-in-law’s-Michael (Alice) Black, Samuel (Elizabeth) Sutton, James-Roland (Betty-Jean) Flood, Mother-in-Law-Salome Black, his parents whom proceeded him in death-Jasper and Harriet Jackson, a sister whom proceeded him in death-Rosetta Swann, a brother whom proceeded him in death-Lenny Jackson, his “adopted” daughters (Angel, Kim, Lachone, Big E, & Tonia), and his Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, and friends.

Tributes

Lester Jackson

July 4, 1941 - July 22, 2019