Preston Jackson

Preston Jackson passed away surrounded by family on March 24th, 2025 in Philadelphia, after a hard fought battle in the Intensive Care Unit.
He was born in Harlem, NY on July 4th, 1946, 8 minutes earlier than his twin sister, to parents Vananda and Winifred "Winnie" Jackson. He spent the majority of his childhood in Harlem, NY and West Chester, PA along with his siblings; his older brother Darrell Jackson, twin sister Patricia Cunningham, and younger sister Toni Jackson. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Preston graduated from B. Reed Henderson High School, where he was a member of the wrestling team and later attended Cheney University. He joined the Navy in 1970 and was stationed in Key West, FL, prior to being honorably discharged in 1974. Upon leaving the service he lived with his stepmother Alberta Short and his sister Tracy Pinkett.
He went on to begin his career at Lasko as a Fork Lift Operator, in West Chester, PA where he met his wife, Grace Jackson. Preston's father brought him to Lasko's, in his naval uniform to interview for a job and all the women were pining for him, however his eyes were set only on Grace. Grace and Preston went on to travel, attend galas and spend time with family and friends before being married on December 1st, 1979, and shortly thereafter beginning their family. Preston and Grace spent 50 years together until his passing.
They both continued their careers at Graphic Packaging before welcoming their first child, Preston Jackson II, on January 1st, 1980. Preston and Grace later welcomed daughters Torrey Jackson (1982) and Shayla Jackson (1990). Preston loved spending time with his family, taking them on vacations to Disney, beaches up and down the east coast like Myrtle Beach, Vegas, California and Thailand. You could almost always find him supporting his children, whether it was helping with science projects, being a chaperone for field trips, filming dance recitals, watching band performances, coaching their soccer teams, or cheering them on at all the various sports they tried. He was a true family man and wanted to enjoy as many moments as possible with Grace and his family.
Vananda later in his life welcomed Preston's youngest siblings Mylea Aiken and Halston Jackson who when they were young would play with Preston's own children. Preston would also spend time with his brother Carl Chambers while hanging out in West Chester, PA.
Preston's children often joked that they were their parents' second family, as early on in their relationship, Preston and Grace would often take their niece, Nicole Baynard and nephews, Robert Baynard and Troy Gibbs on vacations with them, well before they had their own children. Preston was a man that cared deeply about family and that extended to everyone, whether in his household or beyond.
Preston was employed as an Extruder Operator at Graphic Packaging/Huhtamaki until his retirement in 2010, and served as the President of the Union for many years. Post retirement he enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren, Dayla Jackson-Dacey, Ismail Thomas, Asiah Thomas and Dylan Cooper. One of his favorite past times was watching them play sports and being a human jungle gym to his youngest grandchild.
Preston was never quick to anger and was kind to all that knew him. He could talk on just about any subject you could think of, and enjoyed debating on just about any topic for fun. He even has a mug that says "My PopPop knows everything, and if he doesn't he'll make it up". He read dozens of books a week and loved a good movie with his son and nephews. He was an avid collector of many things like; records, hats, and miniature spirits from around the globe (none of which he would drink or let anyone even touch).
Preston will always be remembered for being a father figure not only to his children, but also his nieces, nephews and friends of the family. We'll always imagine hearing him say "Don't touch my bottles" one more time. He couldn't have been a better husband, sibling, father, grandfather, or friend and we will miss him every day. Preston's memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
Preston is survived by wife, Grace Jackson; siblings Darrell Jackson (Betty), Patricia Cunningham, Toni Jackson, Carl Chambers, Tracy Pinkett (Ronald), Mylea Aiken, and Halston Jackson; children Preston Jackson II (May Ashbrook), Torrey Jackson (Darin Cooper), and Shayla Jackson (Harold Harris); grandchildren Dayla Jackson-Dacey, Dylan Cooper, Ismail Thomas and Asiah Thomas; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and godchildren.
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