Howard "Lamar" Jackson

Pastor Howard "Lamar" Jackson entered his heavenly home on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the age of 83.

Graveside services will be held at 3:00pm, Monday March 30, 2026 at Salem Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Walnut Grove, MS.

Visitation will be held from 1:00- 3:00 at the Church on Monday.

Lamar was born on October 10, 1942, in Mississippi to the late William Howard Jackson and Virga Ora McKeeJackson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra Elaine(Watkins) Jackson and his grandson, Jackson Luke Myers.

Lamar lived a life devoted to serving others and his faith. To know him was to know a man whose heart fully belonged to Jesus Christ. He graduated from Bethel College with a degree in seminary and faithfully pastored numerous churches throughout his life, including Charleston CP Church, Coker Church, Kosciusko CP Church, Erin CP Church, Walnut Grove CP Church, Atwood CP Church, Antioch Church, New Ebenezer Pleasant Mount CP Church, Steam Mill CP Church, Salem CP Church, Silverdale CP Church, and Flint Springs CP Church. He served as head of The Ministerial Association of Rhea County, was the minister of music at Charleston CP Church and help with the music at Pikeville CP Church. His ministry extended from beyond the pulpit, reaching deeply into the communities he served.

Outside of his pastoral calling, Lamar worked at Bendix-Allied Signal for 24 years before retiring in 2003. He was passionate about mentoring young people and made a lasting impact through his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America as a Scout Master, helping guide many young men to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout including his son, Mark.

Lamar had a deep love for music and especially cherished singing at church. He was also a proud and dedicated blood donor, generously giving over 12 gallons throughout his lifetime to help others in the community. He loved his Saturday morning coffee club at Hardees with his friends or the Huddle House after evening service at First Baptist.

He is survived by his children, Mark Thomas Jackson of Cleveland, and Melanie Ann Jackson Myers of Dayton; his grandson, William Clayton Myers of Dayton; and his beloved cat, Sophie.

Serving as pallbearers are John, Stokes, David Bond, Cecil Jackson, Mark Jackson, Richard Graham, and honorary pallbearer, Tommy Crawford.