Over 60 years as a leader and server

Obituary of Rev. Dr. William Theodore Jackson Sr.

14 May 1930 through 23 August 2015

            On August 23, 2015, the long serving retired pastor, Reverend Dr. William Theodore Jackson Sr. passed in Salisbury, North Carolina. He was 85. Rev. W.T. Jackson home going tribute will be held on Monday, August 31 at 11am at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, located at 719 South Caldwell Street, Salisbury. A public viewing for Rev. Jackson will be held on Sunday, August 30, from 2-5 pm at Prominence Funeral Home, located at 100 West Guilford St.,Thomasville, North Carolina. Family and friends can attend a viewing from 10-10:45 am at Gethsemane Baptist Church.

            Rev. Jackson was born in Chester, South Carolina to the late George Washington Jackson and Alberta Mobley Jackson. He began his professional career as a brickmason at the age of 16 and continued for 60 years. He was baptized at Black Rock Baptist, Chester, SC.  In 1951, he was licensed to preach and was ordained at Black Rock Baptist Church. Rev. Jackson is a graduate of Finely High School in Chester, SC. He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1954.

            Rev. Jackson attended Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. In 1972 he earned a Bachelor of Theology degree from Hood Theological Seminary at Livingstone College. In 1996, Rev. Jackson went back to Livingstone College to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. He was perhaps the oldest graduate in his graduating class. Rev. Jackson was cognizant of the importance of education in order to excel in society. All of his children have graduated from college with numerous degrees. He was a mentor to countless ministers and young people. He later graduated from Shaw University School of Divinity at 71, where he received the Master of Divinity degree.

            Rev. Jackson met his loving wife, Pearlena Mays Jackson in Brooklyn, New York, where they were later married in 1954. They were joined together for over 63 years.

            Some of the congregations Rev. Jackson pastored are Weeping Mary Baptist Church (Boiling Green, SC) and Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church (Salisbury). At Gethsemane, under his leadership the church was completely renovated during his tenure from 1964-1973. Under his direction, Gethsemane was brick veneered, and an educational unit was added with new furniture. He also pastored at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church (Gastonia, NC), where the church flourished and was renovated during his leadership. Rev. Jackson final congregation was Macedonia Baptist Church (Salisbury), where he retired in 2014 after years of dedicated service.

            Rev. Jackson’s bond to bridge the church and community is evident in the history in the  churches he pastored in North and South Carolina for 63 years. He was a community and civic leader. He organized and coached neighborhood softball teams for boys and teens - the West Horah Street Giants. He was an advocate for jobs in Salisbury and Gastonia for African-American residents. Rev. Jackson was the co-founder and member of the United Ministerial Alliance of Salisbury Rowan County.  A faithful and dedicated 33rd Mason with Western Star Lodge #9 PHA, and active member of the Guilding Light Missionary Baptist Church. He assisted at Rowan County men’s shelter by making clothing donations and speaking with the homeless. He was a gracious, loving and caring pastor, who took his ministry to the street corners in Salisbury. He never missed the opportunity to save anyone.

            Rev. Jackson is survived by: his wife, Mrs. Pearlena Mays Jackson and their children joined: William Theodore Jackson Jr. (West Orange, New Jersey), Shelia P. Gorham (Greensboro, NC), Gwendolyn D. Jackson (Salisbury), George B. Jackson (East Spencer, NC), and Albirda Jackson Beach (Atlanta, Ga.). His son, Tommy L. Walker (Salisbury) and daughter Lothel Hicklin (Brooklyn, NY). Along with his daughter-in-laws Yvonne Jackson (West Orange, New Jersey), Pamela Jackson (East Spencer), and Naja Walker (Salisbury); son in-laws AEphraim Gorham (Greensboro) and Anthony Beach (Atlanta) and. He is survived by siblings: Rev. Ambrose H. Jackson (Sedalia, NC), Christine Blake (Chester), Georgia Ree Jackson (Chester), Betty Jean Evans (Rock Hill), Dorothy McQueen (Bennettsville, SC), and Gloria Miles (Newark, NJ); 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grands, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

            In lieu flowers, an oratorical scholarship fund has been established in Rev. Jackson’s honor. The Dr. W.T. Jackson Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a high school junior or senior by the Martin Luther King Social Action Committee. Please send donations to MLK-SAC at 108 Salem St., Thomasville, NC 27360.

            The interment will take place at Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, NC 28144.

Professional Services entrusted into the loving care of Prominence Funeral Services "Quality Service with Traditional Dignity". We ask that you keep the Jackson family in your prayers.

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