Dr. Allen Jackson Passes
Allen Jackson Sr. was born to Eugene Jackson and Ethel Butler on June 6, 1930 in Albion, MI. He graduated from Washington Gardner High School in 1948.
Jackson joined the U.S. Armed Forces and was a paratrooper and sergeant in the Korean War from November 1948 to June 1952.
He attended Albion College, graduated in 1956, as an excellent student that excelled in football and baseball.
Allen, also known as "Boozie" moved to Grand Rapids, MI, began his teaching career at South High School in 1956 and was among the first African American teachers and became the first African American head coach in the city.
He married the love of his life, Barbara Carol Little on June 15, 1957. To this union, two children were born, Allen Jr. and Sherri Jo. Boozie was a strong, quiet, generous, devoted son, father and family man who was a great provider.
In his 30 plus years as an educator, Al was a respected leader who inspired and influenced thousands of young adults in the Grand Rapids community by leading with a strong, firm, fair and supportive temperament.
After he left South High, his positions and notable achievements were: Assistant Principal, Central High, 1968, he became administrative assistant to the president at Grand Rapids Junior College (now GRCC). In 1971 after receiving doctorate at Michigan State University, he was appointed GRJC Dean of Student Services. He was also inducted into the Albion College Hall of Fame in October 1993.
As a 1981 retiree from GRJC, Al enjoyed golfing, barbecuing, and spending time with his 5 grandchildren.
On October 17, 2020, Al peacefully transitioned to be with our Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara Carol, and son Allen Jr.
Al leaves to cherish in memory his daughter Sherri Jo of Grand Rapids, his grandchildren Paris, Paige, and Joseph Blessman of Detroit, MI and Zachary Blessman and Allen "Buddy" Jackson of Grand Rapids, MI, best friend Charles "Bugs" Anderson, Albion Family and a host of cousins and friends.
Visitation is Friday, October 23, 2020, 2-6 pm at Brown's Funeral Home, 627 Jefferson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Family hour is Saturday, October 24, 10 am, at Brown's followed by memorial services at 11 a.m. COVID restrictions apply.
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