Chester A. Jackson

Chester Arthur Jackson, 99, transitioned to his heavenly home on March 20, 2015 after a long and prosperous life. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is a crown of righteousness for me......" (II Timothy 4:7).

Brother Chester was born to the late Willie and Mary Jackson, in Huntsville, TX on December 6, 1915. He married the love of his life Thelma and they united in holy matrimony in Huntsville, TX.

"For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in." (Matthew 25:35) Uncle Chester, as he was lovingly called, routinely offered assistance to his family members, community, and church family. He would help family members and young men in the community with rides to work at the waterfront in Galveston, Texas. He was a father figure for many. He was a share-cropper, longshoreman, carpenter, pastor, and well-known throughout his community for his famous sweet potato pies. As an intelligent entrepreneur, he was able to develop several inventions and attempted to have them patented. As landlord for many years, he owned and managed 6 or 7 rental homes, always helping the poor. Granddaddy wanted his great-grandsons to have a healthy work ethic, buying them yard equipment to start cutting yards in the neighborhood.

"The Lord will satisfy you with a long life …" (Psalms 91:16) Brother Chester was always a leader in every church he attended, head deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, president of YPWW, Church Treasurer, and Pastor of Sincere COGIC in Texas City, Texas. In his later years he was a faithful member of Randle Temple COGIC where Bishop Osha Randle presides. He left a strong example to his family of faithful church attendance on Sundays and mid-week Bible studies. He left a legacy to his family: worked in the community in children's ministries, visiting prisons, nursing homes, hospitals and the sick and shut-ins. His daughters, Fay and Belinda, are continuing these ministries now in their communities. His grandchildren are working in children's ministries in their church. Brother Chester loved to end his telephone calls with "let's pray."

Due to his declining health, he moved to Austin with his daughter, and placed his membership at New Light Christian Center Church under Bishop I. V. and Pastor Bridgett Hilliard. He loved and respected his local Pastor, Ed Reynolds, and was very proud to have as many as 5 generations attending the church at the Austin location. He enjoyed seeing his children's children. (Psalms 128:6)

Elder Jackson is preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Thelma Jackson, son Lewis, and siblings: Edna Hall, Charlie Jackson Sr., Jerome Jackson, Nathaniel Jackson Sr., Corean Ford, Phillip Jackson, and Theophilus Jackson.

Elder Jackson leaves to cherish his memory his two daughters, Fay Dean and Belinda; his grandchildren, Pamela Elaine, Tracy Rene', Jacqueline Shawn, Jeremiah Edwin, and John-Mark (Julie); 17 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; as well as his siblings, De Witt Jackson, Idemma Wicks, Louvetta (Hugh) Elliott, Clemis Jackson Sr., and Christine (Ernest) Hutchinson; and a host of friends and other relatives.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28th at New Light Christian Center Church, 5811 Berkman Drive, Suite A, Austin, TX 78723.