Willie Clyde Jackson

WILLIE’S JOURNEY... God took you in his loving arms; He saw you needed rest. His garden must be beautiful; He only takes the best. Willie C. Jackson was born on July 21, 1948, and raised in Roanoke, Virginia. He was the eldest son of the late Eva McCarty. Willie departed this earthly life on Tuesday, June 08, 2021, and entered the pearly gates to meet his Lord and Savior. After graduating from the Roanoke Public school system, Willie matriculated to Knoxville, Tennessee to pursue his collegiate career at Knoxville College. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education and later received his Master of Science degree from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. In 1971, Willie began his journey of teaching and youth services. After many successful years of teaching, advocating and coordinating youth programs, he decided to pursue a position in educational administration. In 1981, Willie was appointed as the Vice-Principal at Pocomoke High School in Worcester County, Maryland. Two years later, he was appointed Principal of Pocomoke Middle School. After four successful years as Principal, Willie was selected as Supervisor of Pupil Personnel at the Worcester County Board of Education in Newark, Maryland. He impacted the lives of many students in a positive way. Willie was instrumental in developing an aggressive teacher recruitment program and served as chairman of the school system’s recruitment committee. In June 2011, Willie retired from the Educational System; however, this gentle giant had a heart of gold and returned briefly as the Principal of the Worcester County Vocational-Technical School. Following this brief return, he officially retired in December 2012. Along with an amazing educational and administrative career, Willie transitioned into an astounding community service effort. He was involved in a variety of community activities. His past memberships included: Shore Up! Youth Advisory Council, Lower Shore Family Y.M.C.A Board of Directors, Mid-Shore Family Y.M.C.A Executive Committee, The Lower Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross Board of Directors and the NAACP. At the time of his earthly departure, he was a member of the Pocomoke Rotary Club and the Executive Board of the Delmarva Discovery Museum in Pocomoke City. Willie was always ready as a willing participant with helping hands and innovative ideas. He was persistent and determined to give his best wherever he volunteered and worked. Willie remained dependable in his faithful service to the Lord. When Willie and his family joined Mount Zion United Methodist Church and entered into this spiritual assembly, Willie performed impeccably for the church. He functioned with precision and made sure the physical edifice was intact and everything was implemented well. Along with his exterior talents, he was active within church committees and ministry. Willie was a member of the Usher Board, past president and current member of the Board of Trustees, Committee on Finance and an active participant in worship, while occasionally participating as worship leader. He was also president and member of the Charge Trustees, wherein, he was currently implementing a new prospectus for the pastor’s parsonage. Willie worked tirelessly for Mount Zion UMC because he reverenced the Lord’s house and loved God’s people. He embodied the hymn, “What You Do For Christ Will Last.” From the walls to the tiles, to the hand-carved furniture, his spirit will forever be embedded within the Mount Zion United Methodist Church. Willie chose specific hobbies to balance his active lifestyles in education, community, and the church. Taxidermy, hunting, fishing, and golf were just a few of Willie’s hobbies and special interests. He recently began a new hobby, decoy carving. Willie joined the carving club at the Ward Museum and had attended several carving seminars that included renowned carvers. His latest hobby became his favorite passion until his transition. Symbolically, he carved a life-long impression within all of the lives he touched. Along with all of his life’s achievements, there is one of which he was most proud—family. In 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, formerly, Doris Purdue. From this union, they were blessed with two beautiful children, Keith and Tennille Jackson. In 2016, he was blessed with an amazing granddaughter, Jiah, whom he loved sincerely and bragged about in every conversation. Willie loved taking care of his wife, children, and granddaughter faithfully! He will truly be missed. Willie was a resilient, kind, and loving man whose generous spirit touched the lives of his family, extended family, community, friends, and the Mount Zion United Methodist Church Family. He was known for his culinary skills and hospitality. He went out of his way to prepare a hot meal and to make everyone feel at home. We are all grateful for the guidance he showed through his works, service, mentoring skills, and steadfast and faithful love for Jesus Christ. Willie was preceded in death by his mother, Eva McCarty, his brothers, Adam Simms and Terry McCarty, and his golf buddy and good friend, Brother James Gatling. Willie leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife of forty-two (42) years, Doris Jackson; two children, Keith Jackson of Pocomoke City, Maryland and Tennille Jackson of Baltimore, Maryland and his granddaughter, Jiah Jackson, also of Baltimore, Maryland as well as a host of other relatives, extended family, friends, and the Mount Zion United Methodist Church Family. SORROWFULLY SUBMITTED, THE FAMILY

Willie Clyde Jackson

July 21, 1948 - June 8, 2021