Alfonzo Jackson

Alfonzo Jackson, Age 77, of Canton, MI passed away February 14, 2019.

Alfonzo “Boe” Jackson was born on August 4, 1941 in Jackson, Alabama to Sylvester and Sarah Jackson (whom both preceded him in death). He was the eldest of fourteen children. Alfonzo was a hard worker. He learned at an early age the importance of work.

He accepted Christ at an early age by attending Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Jackson, Alabama. He was educated in the Clark County School system. His early education came to a standstill in the fourth grade due to his parents being unable to purchase eyeglasses for him. He contributed to the family by transporting lumber in the community. He worked various jobs from delivering medicine to nearby neighbors on a bicycle to working in J W Andrew’s Funeral Home where he went out to pick up the deceased. He had dreams of one day becoming a mortician.

He met and married Rubye Dean McGee on September 9, 1960. One daughter was born, Sheila A. Jackson. In pursuit for a better life he moved to Birmingham Alabama where he worked as a truck driver. A second daughter was born, Stephanie Lynn Jackson. As the auto industry started to prosper Alfonzo decided to make another move toward the North, which landed him in Detroit, Michigan. Three more children were added to this union, Alfonzo Jackson, Jr., Dylan Glen Jackson and Lashawn Denise Jackson (Humes). He landed employment at General Motors where he worked for Pontiac Fiero . After his divorce and the last Fiero rolled off the line, he transferred to Indianapolis, Indiana where he worked at Allison Transmission, where he retired after 42 years. When asked what he was going to do after retirement, his joke was “I am not going to be a Walmart greeter!” Encouraged to take trips and vacations, he decided to take a part/time job working nights at Fed Ex, where he would work seven years.

Alfonzo enjoyed the finer things in life from his stylish attire to his taste of fine dining. He loved his vehicles, from his 1960 Mustang to Cadillac’s, Hummers and his Denali truck. He was a man’s man in every sense of the word. He was a loving father and friend. He also loved the Lord. You could find him on any Sunday in the Lord’s House praying and giving testimony. You couldn’t miss him because he would let you know who he was. He joined Faith Tabernacle Church in Detroit, where he became a Deacon in the church. In later years he joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He married Carol Ann Bates and later divorced. He enjoyed taking care of his home and his manicured lawn while entertaining his family and friends when they came to visit. Due to his health challenges, he sold his home and moved back to Michigan for his family to help care for him.

Alfonzo departed this life on February 14, 2019. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Patrice Sullivan, Sheila Jackson, Stephanie Mallory, Alfonzo Jackson, Jr., Dylan Jackson, LaShawn Humes, Gregory Freeman, Gentry Seller, Keenan Thompson; grandchildren, Jazmin Johnson, Kiara Jackson (husband), Ashley Jackson, Arnold Mitchell, Somate Russell, Madison Humes, Kayla Mallory, Alfonzo Dortch, Anthony Humes; 8 great-grandchildren; siblings, Bessie Lee Todd, Mack Jackson, Ernest Jackson (Tonette), Robert Jackson, Ricardo Jackson, Theodore Jackson (wife), Omaria Jackson, Richard Jackson, Deborah Jackson, Sarah Jackson, Johnny Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by one sibling (at birth) and one granddaughter Arnell Lynn Mitchell.