Leon Jackson Sr.

Leon Jackson Sr. was born on July 7, 1942, in Covington, Georgia, to the late John Henry Jackson and Eva Baynes Jackson-Hicks. At the age of five, Leon and his family relocated to Toledo, Ohio, where he would grow and build a life rooted in love, faith, and hard work.

During his youth, Leon enjoyed fishing, riding motorcycles, watching horse racing, and spending time with his younger siblings. Family was always at the center of his life. He was deeply passionate about keeping his family connected and took great pride in attending family picnics and reunions. Leon desired nothing more than for his family to remain close and united.

Leon had a true fascination with classic cars and possessed remarkable mechanical and construction skills. Known for his attention to detail and determination, he could build, repair, or remodel nearly anything and was steadfast about achieving quality results. At a young age, Leon confessed his faith in Christ and remained an active and devoted member of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church until his illness.

Leon attended Gunkel Elementary School and Scott High School in Toledo. In 1958, he met the love of his life, Marcia Jean-Ann McCloud. They were united in marriage in 1961, and from this union, two children were born: Tia R. Butler-Jackson and Leon Jackson Jr. Years later, Leon was blessed with another child, DaJon Jackson, from his relationship with Robin Allen.

Leon dedicated many years to honest labor, working in several professions throughout his life. He spent 10 years at Mello Cream Bakery, 20 years in construction with Local 500, and 25 years at GM Powertrain–Toledo as a machine operator and a member of Local 14. Leon was a proud and devoted Mason. He was affiliated with Prince Hall Freemasonry in Ohio. Amazon Lodge No. 4, Toledo, Ohio.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers John (Jeff) Jackson, Robert Lee Jackson, Roger Jackson, and Rayford Hicks Jr.; his sisters Annie (Dot) Rambus, Inell McCoats, Louise Jackson, Sally Ann Hicks-Jones, Mary-Ann Hicks-Loften, and Jeannette Davis, all of Toledo, Ohio; and his brothers-in-law John Rambus and Steve Jones.

Leon leaves to cherish his loving memory his sons, Leon Jackson Jr. and DaJon Jackson of Toledo; his daughter, Tia R. Butler-Jackson of Toledo; his sister, Catherine Jackson; and his brothers, Artis (Faye) Smith and Tony Hicks. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Helen Hicks and Yvonne Jackson; brother-in-law, Manuel Loften; his beloved grandchildren: Tiawnna and Tiffany Butler; Manee'ja and Myrijah Russell; Montrel, Anthony, Leona, Aliyah, Ciera, and Leonshay Jackson; Rashetta and Robert Smith; extended loved ones: Tieshetta Witcher, Charlotte Jones, Debra Stuart, Lisa Wilson, Cameko Russell, Christy Sudduth, Ke'Von Ingram, Brittany Wortham; along with eight great-grandchildren.

He also leaves special nieces and nephews, Pam and Marvin Jackson, Niesha Davis, Maria Bryant (Tink), and Eldwin Ottrix (Tono); his longtime friend George Davis; Friend and devoted caretaker, Curtis Foulks; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever treasure his memory.