Obituary published on Legacy.com by Olson & Parent Funeral Home on Mar. 28, 2026.
Mack Jackson Jr. was the first-born son of Mack and Katherine (nee Stephens) Jackson. He was born on November 28, 1946, in Rockaway, Queens, NY. He departed this earthly realm on March 22, 2026.
Mack was the oldest of 11 children, and he stood in that position as was their family tradition. He fiercely loved his family, parents and siblings and was always concerned for them. Being the oldest meant a lot to him and he strived to live up to that responsibility. Being part of a huge Jackson - Stephens' family clan was a real sense of pride for him.
He was educated in the NYC Public school system. Throughout his life, he held various jobs, but he found his greatest joy in building stages for concerts across the Northeast, where he was able to tap into his appreciation of music. His wish and desire were for his children, grandchildren and all his descendants and family to pursue an education, to enjoy the pursuit of happiness and to live a full life. To have big dreams and to go after those dreams in whatever path they choose.
Mack was a son, brother, husband, father, cousin, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather and friend who relished each of these roles.
He was married to Beth Clarke-Jackson and had two children from this union. Though they eventually went their separate ways, the strong family 'ties that bind' kept them connected for their children and grandchildren.
He was a sharp dresser; always meticulous in his appearance and never without his argyles and a pair of spit-shined loafers.
He loved music, Ole' school R&B, Jazz and Gospel. Always having music playing as a background/backdrop to his life. He was a sports fanatic with football being his first love. He played as a young man, knew the game well and enjoyed the thrill of it all. Always rooting for his NY Jets no matter what their standing in the League. He coached football for the Pop Warner football league in Rockaway and still received thanks and admiration from some of his former players whenever they saw him. It brought him joy.
Being very athletic, he was a weightlifter, loved to bike-ride (from Rockaway to Manhattan and back many days), swim, play handball and Ping-Pong. He was a strong competitor.
Being an avid and enthusiastic Chess, Backgammon, Bid Whist or Spades player he was always up for a challenger!
He loved life and wanted to/strived to live it to its fullest.
Preceded in death by both his parents, sister Vernice (Cookie), brother Larry and sister Annette He leaves to mourn him...
His oldest daughter, Michelle Hall of Far Rockaway, Queens, NY and her four children; Claudia, Michael, Victoria and Carter and their children
His one son, Nicholas Jackson, of Baltimore County, MD and his two daughters; Laila and Olivia
His youngest daughter, Alyssa Jackson of
Warwick, RI and her four children; Zavien, Zakhai, Ahonor and Russell (RJ)
His surviving siblings; Calvin; Marty; James (sister-in-law Diane); Michael; Joyce; Eddie; and Glenn A host of great-grands, nephews and nieces, cousins, extended family members and friends.
A Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Olson & Parent Funeral Home, 417 Plainfield St.
Providence, RI from 10am-1pm. Service will be officiated by the Reverend Jeffrey Wright.
Burial is private.
Flowers ordered on this website must be placed by 6:00 pm, Monday, March 30, 2026, for this service; otherwise they will be presented to the family at a later date.