Edward Jackson

JACKSON Edward F., was born on the campus of Virginia State University in 1929 to Professors Dr. Luther P. Jackson, Sr. and Mrs. Johnnella F. Jackson. Dr. Luther Jackson, Sr. was chairman of the History Department at VA State University until his death in 1950. Mrs. Johnnella Jackson was professor of Music for Piano Majors. He was the retired Supervisor of Music, Passaic Public Schools. Edward's brother Luther P. Jackson, Jr was Professor of Journalism in the Graduate School at Columbia University, N.Y.C. His younger brother John T. Jackson was a professional flutist in N.Y.C., having studied several years with the great flutist Kincaid of the Curtis School of Music. His sister Laura attended Fisk Univ. and gave private piano lessons. After his graduation from Virginia State University, he became Band and choral Director of Jefferson High School in Charlottesville, VA. He also directed the Harry T. Burleigh Community Singers in Charlottesville. Edward married Deloris Lightfoot, a Hampton University graduate in 1951. Deloris taught school in Texas and Richmond, VA. They have two children, Rise Jackson Evans graduate of Boston University and Michael Onaje Jackson, Yale University Graduate. Rise has two children, Jason Ritchie, graduate of Univ. of South Carolina, wife Alexa and daughter Taina and Dr. Jasmine Ritchie, graduate of Life Chiropractic Univ., Marietta, GA. Dr. Ritchie works with Advantage Rehabilitation & Wellness Center in Washington, D.C. Rise and husband Ken lived in Gary, Indiana. Michael Onaje Jackson and wife Barbara have two children; Lamin, a senior in the Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and Zahra, a sophomore at Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY. Their family resides in St. Croix, Virgin Island where Michael Onaje has his Solar and Energy Company, Sustainable Systems & Design International. Edward has surviving sisters -in-law Mrs. Nettie Lee Jackson, Hartsdale, NY, Mrs. Dorothy Conrad and Mrs. Josephine Whitsett, Charlottesville, VA and Mrs. Alma Mills, Rock Hill, SC. He had many nieces, nephews, cousins and close family who meet every two years for the Jackson Family Reunion. Edward was assigned to the 392nd Army Band, Ft. Lee, VA. Upon discharge from the army, he and his family moved to New York City where Edward completed his Masters and advanced Professional Degree in Music at Columbia University. In 1956, he was employed as Music Instructor for Passaic Public Schools and in 1968 appointed Supervisor of Music until his retirement. He also taught Confirmation Classes at Temple Emanuel, Passaic as well as music at the weekend school for St. Nicholas Catholic and Polish schools of Passaic. He enjoyed several years as Director of First Methodist Church Choir, Passaic. Along with Dr. Wallace Haddon, Edward was co-chair of Passaic NAACP Youth Council. Edward and Deloris were very active with Passaic-Clifton Fair Housing Committee headed by Rev. Raymond Pontier which opened the door to more minority rentals and home ownership in all wards in Passaic and Clifton. Edward served many years on the Passaic/Clifton YMCA Board of Directors. He was active with the "Y" Swim Team and it's parents' alliance, as his son Michael Onaje was a State 10 and under all record holders in the Medley Relay-the record still stands. Mr. Jackson is a life member of the National Education Association, a member of Phi Mu Alpha National Music Sinfonia Association and the Black Musicians Association. He became a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity while at VA State University and his mother, Johnnella Jackson was a campus Omega Mother. Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 26th at 1 PM at the First Methodist Church, 145 Paulison Ave., Passaic, NJ. The family of Mr. Jackson would like to give our heartfelt thanks to all the caring health, hospital, hospice, nursing home personnel and countless friends for all of their assistance during his illness. In lieu of flowers, please make contribution to Passaic Public School Music Program, c/o Dr. Robert Holster, Superintendent, 100 Passaic Ave., Passaic, NJ. Arrangements by The Madonna Multinational Home for Funeral Services, Passaic.