Lue Dee Jackson, Sr.
Mr. Lue Dee Jackson Sr. was born on July 24, 1927, to Arthur and Perry Jackson of Columbus, Ky. He died on July 16, 2019.
Mr. Jackson graduated valedictorian from Clinton High School in Clinton, Kentucky. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where he also worked toward his master’s degree.
His sister Mrs. Hattie Mae Woodfork and brother Mr. Leroy Berry of Evanston, Ill., preceded him in death.
At age 18, he embarked upon his career as a teacher in Kentucky, Missouri,and Illinois.
His first teaching assignment in Illinois was as a sixth-grade teacher at Bannaker Elementary School in Pulaski, Ill.
Upon integration of the Illinois public school system, Mr. Jackson began teaching in Mounds, Ill., at Titus Elementary School and later at Meridian Elementary School.
As a well respected educator, known for his integrity, he was elected president of the Illinois Education Association, a local teacher’s union.
Throughout his 37 years as a teacher, Mr. Jackson was extremely dedicated to his students and received numerous educational awards before retiring at age 55.
Although Mr. Jackson loved education, his greatest love was his walk with God, a walk he modeled every day of his life. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 15.
Until his death, he was an active member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Pulaski, Ill., where he held numerous positions including Sunday school teacher, usher, treasurer, deacon and Sunday school superintendent.
There was not a job in the church that he would not do. Even at age 91, he continued to be active, often providing transportation whenever asked to do so.
Mr. Jackson loved singing songs that praised God. One of his favorite songs that he sang on a regular basis was “If anybody asks you who I am, who I am, tell them I am a child of God.”
He prayed daily, loved studying his Bible, and enjoyed reciting scriptures. His favorite scripture was John 3:16.
He met his first wife of 47 years, Mrs. Tris Ella Green Jackson while pursuing his academic studies.
They both attended Wilberforce University, a historically black teacher’s college, and Kentucky State University.
Nine children came from their union: Dorothy M. Pollard, Tris L. Middleton, Lue Dee Jackson Jr., Perry L. Miller, Peggy F. J. Bradford, Mary E. Jackson, Allen M. Jackson, Beverly M. Hodges, and Arthur W. Jackson.
Mr. Jackson set a high bar for academic achievement and all of his children followed his example, embracing his love for education.
After his first wife passed away, Mr. Jackson remarried at the age of 69 to Mrs. Annie Viola Mackins Jackson of Pulaski, Ill. They were married for more than 21 years.
They enjoyed attending church events, community activities, eating out, gardening, traveling and spending time with family.
Mr. Jackson will be cherished in memory by his loving wife, Annie Viola Mackins Jackson, and her children from a prior union with the late Mr. Melvoy Mackins Sr.: Mary Frances (Thomas) Copeland of Decatur, Ill,; Melvoy (Fannie) Mackins of Decatur, Ill.; Carl Alvin (Patricia) Mackins of Belvidere, Ill.; Walter (Marian) Mackins of Pulaski, Ill.; and the late Areatha Mae (Mackins) Warmsley and Lola Mae Mackins.
Throughout his life, when Mr. Jackson was not teaching or at church, you could find him engaging in one of his many interests.
He enjoyed Chinese checkers, racing with his children and grandchildren, doing handy work around the house, reading, cooking, searching for antiques and collecting coins and postage stamps.
His favorite pastimes were attending garage sales, setting up for garage sales with his family, going to flea markets and running an antique shop.
He had a jovial sense of humor and enjoyed having fun with people in a light-hearted manner.
He was always interested in helping others. He tutored people in the community, drove a mini school bus transporting students to and from school, repaired televisions, prepared income taxes, served as a foster parent, and actively voted in elections to better the community.
Mr. Lue Dee Jackson Sr. will be missed by his loving wife, Mrs. Viola Mackins Jackson, his nine children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, stepchildren and step-grandchildren who loved him dearly and will forever cherish his legacy.
He will also be missed by his beloved community, colleagues, and students, who continued inviting him to numerous events throughout the years.
Mr. Jackson made such a profound impact on the lives of others that he received daily visits from people in the community until his last day of life.
Mr. Jackson also had special friends, including Deacon Raymond Fields, who helped him open the doors of the church on a weekly basis; Deaconess Shelia Mack, who served in numerous capacities within the church; and his loyal friend Kenneth Adkinson, who was always available and willing to help Mr. Jackson with anything.
A special acknowledgment to his grandmother, Mrs. Bessie Gardner Birge (deceased), who daily pressed his white shirts and black suit for him, and his uncle Lee Birge (deceased) who sold his favorite cow so that Mr. Jackson could attend college.