Overseer Philip Jackson Sr.

A Life Well Lived

In Loving Memory of Philip K. Jackson Sr.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

- 2 Timothy 4:7

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

- Psalm 23:1,6

Reflections of My Life

Blessings and love to all who have gathered here today from far and near. I say to you, thank you. Though I lay here resting, I still give the Lord a hallelujah and say, "Thank you, Jesus, for saving my life."

I grew up in Newburgh, New York, and on the west side of Manhattan. Later in life, I relocated to the Bronx, New York, and eventually settled in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. From the age of six until adulthood, I attended Best Temple Church of God in Christ, where the pastor was Superintendent Dr. James L. Best.

As a teenager, I gave my life to Christ and received the Holy Ghost. I remained active in ministry until the age of 22, serving under Bishop O.M. Kelly. Later, I relocated to the Bronx, where I attended Garden Prayer Church of God in Christ under Bishop Billy Robinson.

A few years later, my family and I moved to Bensalem, where we attended Cathedral of Love Church of God in Christ in Willingboro, New Jersey, for several years. In 1998, I began fellowshipping with Spotlight Holy Temple #2 in Bristol, Pennsylvania. In 2000, my family and I joined the ministry under Bishop Frank T. Stephens and Mother Stephens.

In 2006, I became the Pastor of Spotlight Deliverance Temple under the leadership and care of Bishop Stephens. I faithfully served as Pastor for 18 years. In 2023, I was elevated to the office of Overseer, where I served until my passing.

I completed my education in Newburgh, New York, and Manhattan, New York. My work experience included 23 years with General Motors in Tarrytown, New York, 11 years with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, and 6 years with the Bucks County School District. After a long illness, I retired and was able to enjoy peace and quiet. I have been tremendously blessed and proud to raise and care for my family.

My Greatest Joy - My Family

To all my brothers and sisters-Frederick Jackson, Molly Murphy, Jerome Jackson, Yvonne Jackson, and the baby of us all, Sheila Jackson and Francis -I need you all to know that I love you and I will miss you. We are the real Jackson 6! To my nieces, nephews, and cousins, I love you all. It has truly been a joy.

To my best friends-Hap Harris, Jessie Lee McCallop, Thomas Calvin, and Gilbert Sharpe-we shared many good moments growing up and protecting one another.

To my extended family: brother and sister Vincent Washington Sr. and his wife Janice Washington; Sheridan Johnson; Ray Jones; Elder Mickens and his wife Tara; and Trena Johnson. My sister, Mother Janie Stephens, and all of her children have always treated me with love and respect. I love you and thank you.

To the individuals I consider my youngest brothers, whom I love dearly-Bishop Woody and Lady Denise Woody, and Eric Williams and Cheryl Williams-Uncle Kim loves you. We shared a close and special relationship, and I love you.

Always remember to keep looking up while continuing to move forward, for you shall reach the promise that God has already prepared for you.

Now here comes the hard part-my Jackson 5.

I give God all the thanks and praise for blessing me with a beautiful, respectful, and loving wife, Carmen Jackson, who came into my life in 1978. We were married in 1981 and shared over 43 wonderful years of marriage. She is the loving mother of our four children.

To my oldest daughter, Vanella Lynn Ellis, my sunshine baby. Her husband, Bishop Cory Ellis, and my granddaughter Serenity Grace Ellis "Stinkadoo" -you hold a special place in my heart.

To my only son, Phillip K. Jackson Jr., my strength. To my granddaughters Sage, Autumn, Zoei, Destiny, and Miley Jackson-these girls love Grandpa, and Grandpa loves them.

To my next baby, Charisse Ann Jackson, whom I call the promise child. She is truly the heart and the glue that holds her brother and sisters together. And to her husband, Frank Stephens III and to my grandsons: my oldest grandson, Damarion Stephens, whom I call "The Gentleman"; my grandson Carmelo Stephens, my right hand, whom I call "Grandpa Junior"; and to the baby boy Levi Stephens-he may be small, but I call him "The General". Grandsons, know that I love you. Do not allow anything to stop you from being who God created you to be. Keep moving forward. You have become the strength of this family and the heads of your families to come. Be wise, stand strong, and represent the Stephens and Jackson family well. Stand tall.

To my youngest baby, Chantelle Yvonne Stephens-you are a special gift delivered by God. You have been the glue and the strength of this family. I have a nickname for you, but I cannot tell everyone what it is. Thank you for your strength, your wisdom, and the joy you have brought into our lives and also to my son-in- law, her husband, Prophet Randy Stephens. To my youngest grandchildren, none other than Sir. Carter Stephens and Corinne Stephens-you hold a precious place in my heart. Know that Grandpa loves you all.

I will miss you all, but I leave you with my love and the great memories we shared together.

To my godchildren: the one I took in as my daughter from birth, Nita Lewis-Pop loves you. My oldest goddaughter, Dawn Stephens-you always encouraged me, prayed for me, and checked on me. I love you. To my godson Terrance Sampson, who always lifted my hands in strength, thank you. Pastor Quan Tisdale, and my daughters Shaffona Womack, Chanqiue Sykes, Tamika Fayson, and Monique Copeland-know that I love you all.

My Final Words

If I could leave you with one final message, it would be this:

Keep God first.

Love your family.

Forgive one another.

Stand strong in faith and never stop moving forward.

Remember what the Word of God says in Philippians 4:13:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Hold on to that promise. No matter what life brings, God will give you the strength to endure, overcome, and continue forward.

Do not remember me with sorrow, but remember the laughter, the wisdom, the faith, and the love we shared together. The memories we created will live on in each of you.

I have finished my race, and now I rest in the arms of the Lord.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of thy Lord."

- Matthew 25:23

Until we meet again,

May God bless you, keep you, and guide you always.

With love, Philip