Rev. Dr. Charles Bernard Jackson

Reverend Dr. Charles Bernard Jackson, was born on October 9, 1932 in Washington, D.C., to the late Pastor and Founder of the St. John Baptist Church of Marshall Heights, S.E., Reverend John H. Jackson and Frances E. Grady. He departed this life, with his wife by his side, January 2, 2021 at Washington Hospital Center. Rev. Jackson (affectionately known as “Buddy”) was the third eldest of ten children which included seven boys, and three girls of which only one survived, Joyce June Jackson. Following the passing of his mother, ten years later, his dad married Rebecca Tyson further blessing the family with twelve more siblings.

Rev. Jackson received his formal education from the D.C. Public School system, graduating from Cardozo High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 and was honorably discharged. On November 16, 1957, Rev. Jackson married the late Essie L. Dove of Kinston, N.C. From this union, there were three children. During this marriage, Rev. Jackson continued his education at Blackwell Business College, National-Louis University and Howard University School of Divinity Urban Institute. He matriculated in the Universities of California at Berkeley and District of Columbia. He held a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Behavioral Science.

His religious training began at an early age. He started teaching Sunday School at St. John when he was seventeen. For twenty years, he was the Superintendent of Sunday School and also served in the capacities of Church Clerk, Trustee, Ordained Deacon, and an Associate Minister.

In November 1982, Reverend Charles Jackson was recommended to the Church, and by a unanimous vote, became the Co-Pastor and successor to ensure a smooth transition in pastoral leadership. His sister, Rev. Dr. Joyce June McKeithan, was the first Black Baptist Woman ordained as minister in Washington, DC, supported her “Big Brother” faithfully in whatever capacity needed throughout his entire time as Pastor, St. John Baptist Church. They shared a very special relationship to be admired and showed the definition of true dedication.

On May 29, 1983, Reverend Charles B. Jackson celebrated his installation as the second Pastor of St. John Baptist Church of Marshall Heights, S.E., following the passing of his father. It was only fitting and no surprise when he pursued his desire to teach at the college level by serving on the faculty of the University of the District of Columbia as an Instructor. On May 22, 1994, Pastor was bestowed an extraordinary blessing when a Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree was conferred upon him by the Eastern Theological Consortium of Christ Theological Seminary—This was one of the highlights of his journey and he was so overjoyed and honored as his title became Reverend Dr. Charles B. Jackson. Praise God!

Pastor Jackson was a dedicated conscientious employee of the U.S. Government Printing Office for over 40 years working his way up the corporate grade ladder to become the first Black person to hold the position of a Printing Specialist. He was always punctual; never late for work, meetings or appointments nor did he use any sick leave. He never used the elevator, but walked the seven flights of stairs to his office daily his entire working career. He retired from the Federal Government and was available full time as Pastor. He served faithfully with First Lady Essie Jackson until God called her home in 1998.

On September 9, 2001, Rev. Jackson married the former Katherine L. Dickerson, blessing him with another daughter and son. They united as Pastor and First Lady of the St. John Baptist Church, Inc. Pastor Jackson was blessed to not only have one, but a second devoted and diligently serving First Lady until his peaceful transition. When you saw one, you saw the other! Pastor was definitely well taken care of.

Pastor Jackson served as a member of the Mt. Bethel Baptist Association, Missionary Baptist Minister’s Conference, The Lott Carey Foreign Mission Society, The National Capital Baptist Convention, and The Committee of 100-Ministers and the Wednesday Morning Clergy Fellowship. He was presently serving in the

capacity of Moderator Emeritus of the Mt. Bethel Baptist Association after having served as Moderator 1980 to 1988 and is recognized in its history as their longest standing member. He worked along with his sister, Rev. Dr. Joyce June McKeithan throughout his entire time as Pastor of St. John Baptist Church as she remained dedicated and faithful under his leadership.

St. John is grateful to God for sending a Shepherd and Leader who was loyal, humble, loving, giving and a faithful “Servant of God.” Pastor Jackson was a great preacher and teacher, “rightly dividing the Word of truth.” He was so dearly loved and respected by all with whom he associated. Pastor Jackson was definitely loyal to his church, family, and friends. As a soldier of God, his walk was distinguished and so befitting of an honorable servant. His life ministry radiated his love for God, and he had a true desire to stimulate growth in all areas to win souls for Christ!

God used Pastor Jackson to remind us of his power to transform lives; his quiet faithfulness made a difference by touching the lives of so many. Loyalty to his church and showing love to those less fortunate, shall always be a living memorial of him. He often reminded us, “Only what you do for Christ will last!” Pastor Jackson always made himself available in times of need and trouble; offering a word of prayer and/or encouragement, financial blessings, visiting the sick and shut-in, or in any capacity he could. Pastor Jackson left behind a memory fragrant with good deeds. There are many whose lives were touched and are saddened by his passing; they are better today because they knew him and have lost the best friend they ever had.

To his family, he was a philosopher of sorts because he loved to read increasing his vocabulary with knowledge showing himself approved—passing this trait on to his children and grandchildren. His life exemplified one with high morals and personal integrity encouraging all to train up their children in the way they should go and when they are old, it won’t depart from them. We can definitely say he was a “stickler” for certain things: “Learning/Education” was priority whether formal or spiritual; “Health and Wellness”- Taking control of your body’s health, which includes some sort of daily exercise and maintaining a healthy Diet—Watch What You eat!

Family was important to Pastor; and he enjoyed every moment afforded to spend with them. He would jump at the opportunity to get in a round of golf on the greens at a golf course also known as his “happy place.” He was a true native Washingtonian and an avid Redskins/Washington Football Team lover. In fact, he loved all sports, but was most passionate about Golf and bowling. He was also a great swimmer who taught his children and grandchildren how to swim. He was very competitive and enjoyed all board games. He often won, but never bragged; he just encouraged you to do better to win. He was a no nonsense type person; low in tone but stern in meaning. He loved unconditionally and was always concerned about his family’s salvation. He would often say, “God loves you and so do I. If you do not know God for yourself, get right with him and accept Him as your Lord and Savior now—Only God can save your Soul! Get Connected and Stay Connected!”

Pastor Jackson was well-known and respected on so many levels; from his house to the White House. During the Obama Administration, President Barack Obama sent a birthday card to Pastor Charles Jackson congratulating him on his 85th birthday! What a blessing and noble gesture from the then esteemed leader of the United States of America. Pastor Jackson’s heart was filled with THANKS and counted it all JOY! With God, all things are possible!

Recently, “Uncle Buddy” as many call him, was definitely respected by all of his family, especially the nieces and nephews, who are too many to count! “Uncle Buddy” supported everyone somehow at some point throughout all of their lives. There was no limit to the length the family would go when notified of a plan for “Uncle Buddy.” So when his niece, Marcia, he affectionately called “Marci – Mia,” organized his 88th ‘Paparazzi’ Birthday celebration, it was a huge success. Uncle Buddy was overjoyed by the love shown from so many of his family and friends. The parade of vehicles was nothing short of amazing; to top it off, “Uncle Buddy” was showered with blessings and received his roses while he could still see and smell them.

Pastor Charles Jackson’s extraordinary life of faith, family, love and compassion for others will live on through the many people he touched and cherished during his lifetime. In the words of John’s Gospel, 14:1, in part, “Let not your heart be troubled,” for he is not dead, he is just away…over in the land of Glory where God has promised all the faithful.

His favorite Scriptures were: JAMES 2:10, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” and GALATIANS 6:7, “Be not deceived; GOD is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Pamela Jackson, parents Rev. John H. and Frances E. Jackson, Rebecca Tyson-Jackson; siblings: Ernestine, Norwood, Lawrence, Morris, Lester, and Paul Jackson; John B. Pate, Nobel, Charles, James, Joseph, Ronald, and Evelyn Tyson; Mary Richardson and Cora Lee Hawkins-Phillips.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, First Lady Katherine L. Jackson; five children: Keith and Selita Jackson, DeVondolyn and Ronald Dickerson, and Shaunti Carter; five siblings: John F. (Mattie) Jackson, Reverend Dr. Joyce J. McKeithan, Lucille (Harold) Burns, Louise P. and Margaret V. Tyson; one aunt, Olivette Peyton King George, Va., eight sisters-in-law: Brenda and Margaret Jackson, Ernestine Pate, Lolita and Gloria McKeithan, Geraldine Bell, Cecila Harden, Houston, TX, Anita Sykes Smith (Ray’mone), Nolensville, TN, Carleslie Funderburg, Detroit MI; two loving brothers-in-law: Michael Queen, and William Harden, Houston, TX; three grandchildren: Keiasha Battle (Rodney), Adoette Jackson and Spirit Dickerson; four great-grandchildren: Azanti (Nickolis) and Kelley (Angel) Williams, DeMarco Murray, and Kameron Williams; four great-great grandchildren: Maddison Miles, Kamari, Jannah, and Adorian Williams; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, the entire St. John Baptist Church Family and all the bonus sons and daughters, you know who you are!

“MUCH PRAYER, MUCH POWER; LITTLE PRAYER, LITTLE POWER; NO PRAYER, NO POWER!”

Night Wake (WALK THRU ONLY) will be held from 3 to 7 p.m., on Friday, January 15 at St. John Baptist Church, 5228 Call Place, SE, Washington, DC 20019. (NOTE: DUE TO COVID-19, MASKS/FACIAL COVERINGS AND 6 FT SOCIAL DISTANCING ARE REQUIRED).

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77784860393...
Meeting ID: 777 8486 0393
Passcode: Buddy

Visitation will be held from 10 – 11 a.m., followed by Home Going Service at 11 a.m., on Saturday, January 16 at House of Praise, 5110 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20019. Apostle Stephen E. Young, Sr., Pastor. Officiant, Bishop James L. Martin Sr. Private Interment Fort Lincoln Cemetery.
(NOTE: DUE TO COVID-19, MASKS/FACIAL COVERINGS AND 6 FT SOCIAL DISTANCING ARE REQUIRED).

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77955677479...
Meeting ID: 779 5567 7479
Passcode: Buddy
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. Dr. Charles Bernard Jackson, please visit our floral store.