Eddie Jackson, Jr. (Lansing)

Mr. Eddie Jackson, Jr. (affectionately called Paw Paw) was born on December 10, 1939, to Beatrice and Eddie Jackson Sr. in Pendleton, South Carolina.

Eddie attended the Pendleton School District and worshipped at Kings Chapel A.M.E. church growing up. He had a large family and shared many funny stories of growing up with his siblings. He also fabricated his football and musical careers in these stories. But the grandchildren loved them.

Eddie married the love of his life Iona Jenkins in 1959, and they later moved to Michigan. They used to sit on the porch and point out cars they would own one day. And as their family grew, he was able to purchase each of those cars. Eddie worked hard to provide for his family but also took time for family vacations, camping and fishing trips, along with yearly visits back home to South Carolina and visit family.

Eddie reached his dream of being the owner/operator of his own trucking company Jackson and Sons’, where he worked until he retired.

After retirement he spent his days mowing his lawn, sitting in his garage or on his porch, spoiling grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and drinking wine, which he said the doctor told him was mandatory to help stabilize his balance. His happiest moments were when all the family would come and visit. Barbecuing his famous ribs and making sweet potato pies were the highlight of family gatherings. Being a father and grandfather made him happier than any other accomplishment in his life.

Eddie transitioned to paradise on Feb. 18, 2023, surrounded by family. His laughter and kindheartedness will truly be missed.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Iona Jackson; children Michael Harrison of Norris, of South Carolina, Eric (Trina) Jackson of Lansing, Michigan, Katrina (Marcus) Basey of Grand Blanc, Michigan, Tiffany Jackson-Griffin of Lansing, Michigan, Dimeca (Darnell) Hawkins of Atlanta, Georgia, and Marlon Alston of Lansing, Michigan; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; siblings, Barbara Galloway, Patricia Wright, Otto Jackson and Michael Jackson of South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eddie Sr. and Beatrice Jackson; son, Jerry Patterson, grandsons Marcus Basey II, and Tyree Griffin; great grandchildren Ayana Griffin and Jae'dnn Basey; and siblings, Anthony Jackson, Sr., Blondell Murray, Mildred Robinson, Geraldine Peppers, Brenda Greenlee, and Beatrice Galloway.

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.