Clifford Jackson Jr.

CLIFFORD JACKSON At an amazing 96 & 1/2 years of age, Clifford Jackson died New Year’s Day in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was born into a family of Georgia sharecroppers, the son of Clifford Jackson, Sr. and Janie Groce Jackson on June 17, 1920 in Dry Branch, Georgia. His early years were spent in Macon, Georgia and he attended elementary school there. In his teen years, the pressures of the Depression caused his parents to relocate to seek employment and they spent time in Goldsboro, Miami and the Leesburg area. The family settled in Daytona Beach in the late 1930’s. In 1943, he met Ruby Sylvania Moses as she boarded next door to his Mother’s home and attended college. Their relationship grew during his years of Air Force service in World War II. On November 29, 1947, following his honorable discharge they were married. He did not have the opportunity to complete high school but was able to pass an entrance exam and enter Bethune Cookman College(University). In 1954, he received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Following his graduation he was hired for his first teaching position in Belle Glade, FL. He received his Masters of Arts degree from North Carolina Central University in 1969. In 1958, the family moved to Ft. Lauderdale. He was hired in Broward County as the first male librarian in the county. His career advanced and he retired in 1984 as a middle school Dean. He was active in the community and in professional organizations. He was devoted to his church. He was a member of St. Christopher’s for over 55 years. He served as Senior Warden for several terms and was a member of the Building Committee and Men’s Choir. He faithfully served as a Lay Eucharistic minister since the 1970’s and didn't feel at home in the church when he was not on the altar He was an avid gardener and was happy to share the fruits of his labors with neighbors and church members.. In his retirement he fulfilled a lifelong dream of flying and earned his private pilot and flew small planes for a hobby. He volunteered with the Urban League, and with his wife was a member of the Broward Count Kampers and a three time a week league bowler. He enjoyed travelling and they travelled cross country in their RV together. He was a a loving husband and father. He was preceded in death by Ruby, his wife of 52 years.. He is survived by his children Rosemary Rothstein(Irving), Krisita Anne Jackson, CliffordJackson III (Carol) and Yolette Jean Hall. He also leaves his brother Harold Heard of Daytona Beach, sister in law Alberta Smith and brother in law Joseph Moses of California; his grandchildren Clifford Jackson IV(Jaqlyn), Cassidy Jackson, Krisita Rose Hall(Crystal) and Khadija Corley Hall,(Garrett Irving) Monique Jackson( Jennie) and Kirsten Joy Dudley, 20 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, his nurse companion Sandra Udemezve and a loving church family. He lived his life in gratitude and in service to and with a love of God.

An Inurnment & Graveside services with Military Honors is scheduled for Saturday June 17, 2017 @12:00 pm. At Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3201 NW 19th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311