Errol Jesse Jackson (Lansing)

Errol Jesse Jackson was born August 26, 1943, to parents Reverend Jessie and Rosa (Stephens) Jackson in Camden, Alabama. In 1951, his parents and all eight children moved from Alabama to Lansing, Michigan where he attended Lansing Public Schools and graduated from J.W. Sexton High School in 1963.

‘Jesse’ as he was known to his family and friends, earned an Associate in Applied Science from Ferris State and attended Michigan State University. He began his career with the State of Michigan in 1963 with the Highway Department (Michigan Department of Transportation, MDOT) where he spent most of his tenure until his retirement in June 1997 from the Department of Aeronautics as an Environmental Liaison.

In July of 1966, Jesse was drafted into the U.S. Army where his tour was in Vietnam and South Korea. During his service as a Movements Specialist, he received the 71N20 Award, top in his class, and many Letters of Appreciation for his cheerfulness, enthusiasm, and attention to detail which substantially contributed to the successful accomplishment of the Eighth U.S. Army transportation mission which concluded in 1969. Upon his honorable discharge, Jesse returned to his career at the State of Michigan.

Jesse joined Union Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Joel L. King in 1953 and accepted Christ at a young age. His church and church family were very important to him, he was actively involved singing in the Laymen Choir, and also served on the Usher Board as President.

Jesse had a smile as large as his laughter and nothing brought it on more than when he’d play dominoes, cards, basketball, or just about anything with his grandkids. He had many interests including numismatics, collecting coins, golfing, drawing -- he was good at most things he attempted but was exceptionally good at math. His thinking was logical and analytical. Jesse was known for building and fixing things, a skill he learned from his father.

Jesse passed from this earthly life to join God and his Heavenly family on July 15, 2021, at the age of 77 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Cleveland and Grant, sister Lucille, and dear cousin (more like a sister) Virginia Wiggins.

Jesse’s very large family is spread across the country. He leaves to cherish his memory: his son Marcus Cole (Anna) Jackson of Superior Township, Michigan, and daughter Lauren Patrice Jackson of Lansing, Michigan; their mother, his former wife, Rebecca McAlpine; his grandchildren Corey S. Clay, Jr., Milana Maria, and Robert Julian Jackson. Sister Josephine White, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sarah (Ben) Travis, Marguerite (Deacon Bobby, deceased) Bruner, and Evelyn Jackson, all of Lansing. He has many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends who will miss his presence.

If you would like to make a donation in Jesse’s name, the family suggests Union Missionary Baptist Church at Make a Donation (https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/512075) or Lewy Body Dementia Foundation at Donate – (https://www.lbda.org/donate/)

View Mr. Errol Jesse Jackson's Celebration of Life on YouTube, by copying and pasting the link into the web. Web address: https://youtu.be/ZDSI2atGtAg