FLOYD L. JACKSON

A Life Well Lived

Floyd Jackson was born in Woodlawn, Texas to Ezell Jackson and Mary Hurd Jackson on June 7, 1930.  He attended Evergreen school and graduated from H. B. Pemberton High School in Marshall, Texas.  Because the family couldn’t afford to keep him in school, as his older sister, Deborah, was attending in town, Floyd was forced to return home to his elementary school.  After a semester, Floyd devised a plan to educate himself.  He ran away from home and enrolled in Pemberton.  Through nook and crook, Floyd matriculated through Pemberton in record time and enrolled in Wiley College before graduating from high school.  He returned to Pemberton and graduated as salutatorian.  Floyd completed his studies at Wiley in 3 years.  Following his college graduation, he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force and worked in electronics and crypto. 

Still in pursuit of excellence in education, Floyd went on to work as a civil service professional.  He earned two master’s degrees from Our Lady of the Lake College.  After retirement, Floyd continued to teach computer literacy for seniors in San Antonio.  When he retired from his civil service career, he was in charge of purchasing all training for the United States Air Force.  He traveled extensively in the United States and abroad.  These travels birthed a new career/hobby as a professional photographer and videographer.

For his Christian Walk, he served faithfully at St. James AME Church and Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church in San Antonio.  He chronicled many church and community activities through videos and pictures. 

For his community walk, he was a visionary and worked tirelessly to ensure the preservation of the Carver Center and committees that protected the rights of citizens and their legacy. 

Professionally, Floyd was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity for over 70 years.  He received many citations, proclamations, and plaques for his outstanding career.  They are too numerous to list.  Just know that he made a difference.  His work was not in vain. 

For his family, he was a genealogist.  He was the keeper of all history – the GOAT – the knower and seeker of the family tree.  He attended and participated in all family reunions documenting the stories and relationships in his family until his health failed.  He was loved and respected by all family members. 

Finally, Floyd was married to the incomparable Thelma Peters Jackson.  They were a dynamic team in life for 66 years.  Now they rest together in love.  Wherever they lived or visited, they made an impact and a difference in people’s lives.  They were true and lifelong friends to all they met.    

As we honor Floyd, we cherish the memories of those gone on:  parents, Ezell and Mary Jackson, sister, Deborah Emory (George), Lenora, Ezell, Jr., James (Delois), Bertram (JoAnn), Calvin (Elizabeth), and Clarence.

Floyd leaves to cherish his memory two children:  Rev. Glenda (Rev. Alvin) and Lyle (Dr. Kanithia); grandchildren:  Louis, Dr. Karin, Brandan (Rachel), Ryan, Jarett (Sheyenne), Dr. Jasmine (Kirk), Isaiah, Alayah, Victoria, Kyle, Brielle; great grandchildren: Jayla, Skylar, Jaden, Kuma, Domonic, daughters-in-law: Gwen Jackson, Stephanie Moore (Travis), Karla Coates (Alvin). He also leaves sisters-in-law, Gloria Jackson (Ezell), Shirley Jackson (Clarence) nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and caregivers: Nikki Johnson, Eva Jackson, Vontrice Davis, Mary Woodard, Bobbie Sterling, Cynthia Williams, Lena Thompson, Rose Turner, Eyes of Hope and additional caregivers current and past.