Elmer Ray "Fuzzy" Jackson

Elmer R. Jackson was born to Zeola Mae Phillips-Jackson and Isaac Jackson in Laran, Louisiana. As a child at the tender age of 3, his family moved to Pleasant Hill, LA where he joined Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and later moved his membership to County Line Baptist Church. He is a graduate of Westside High School and briefly attended Southern University, but his attendance was cut short by the Vietnam War. He was drafted in 1969, where his duty assignment was to Fort Polk, LA. He deployed to Vietnam in June 1969. But before leaving for Vietnam there was another surprise - his girlfriend Shirley, who became his wife of 44 plus years, was pregnant with their first child Ferlesher “Lesa” Jackson. He returned home from Vietnam after 13 months and married his childhood sweetheart, Shirley Ann Barnes (Glosson) Jackson. To this union two more beautiful daughters were born - Sequincellia “Annie” Jackson and LaShonda “Poochie” Smith. Elmer was the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren: five boys - Demetrius, James, DeShawn, Davon, Louis and five girls: DeMetria, Dorial, Michol-Nichole, Danielle, & Dana; four great-grandchildren - Violet Olivia, Ivy-Ann, Phoenxy-Annalise and Andre’ round out this Jackson branch of the family tree.

He traveled and mostly raised his family at Fort Wainwright, (Fairbanks, AK). Fuzzy had the honor of being stationed with both of his daughters (Lesa & Annie) throughout his military service and was especially proud of those moments in his life. After a total of 29 years of combined active and reserve service, he retired at Fort Gordon, GA in 1998. He moved to Texas 2 years after retirement and made Cleveland, TX home. It was then that he first met Pastor Pyles and his family. He and his niece “Thesha” sat to the right of the church and Pastor Pyles always said “Uncle Fuzzy is in the House”. That acknowledgement by Pastor Pyles let him know he was loved, even back then and he made Tabernacle of Praise his church home. “Uncle Fuzzy” as he was affectionately known served as a faithful member of the Usher Ministry until his health prevented his participation. He will be remembered for his big smile and always having fresh vegetables from his garden and other homemade foods for all the church members who requested them.

Fuzzy was preceded in death by his loving wife Shirley, father – Isaac, mother -Zeola, two sisters and four brothers: Irolla B. Nute, Mae Ola Montgomery, Harvey Gene Jackson, Eddie Gene Jackson, Bobby Ray Jackson, and Kenneth Wayne Jackson.

He leaves to cherish his memories his three loving daughters: Ferlesher “Lesa” Brown (husband - David), Sequincellia “Annie” Jackson (husband - Maurice Thomas); & LaShonda “Poochie” Smith; two beloved sisters - Darlene Thrower (husband - George) and Jeanette Lovette. He has a host of great nieces, nephews, as well as cousins and friends all over the world who loved him dearly.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The family of Brother Elmer “Fuzzy” Jackson would like to extend their sincere appreciation and love to all of you during this time.

Perhaps you sent a lovely card or floral arrangement; if so, we have seen it; Perhaps you have spoken the kindest words as any friend or family could say; Perhaps you could not be with us during this time, but took a moment to think of us on this day.

Whatever you did to console our hearts, we “Thank You”.