Kenneth Leroy Jackson

Life Reflection

Kenneth Leroy Jackson, Sr. was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 5, 1952 to Emily Ann Jackson and Madison Clayton, both preceded him in death. Being the eldest of three children, he was a natural born leader. Kenneth was introduced to Christ early on, and at the age of 14, accepted Jesus as his personal Savior.

Following graduation from the O'Fallon Tech/McKinley High School hybrid program, he decided to give his life and time in service to the country by joining the Marine Corps. As a Marine, Kenneth learned the dedication and discipline that would become a staple in both his public and private life. Once discharged from the military, he continued his education in the St. Louis Community College system, receiving certifications from Florissant Valley, and discovered a love for child education and health.

In 1982, Kenneth rededicated his life to Christ, accepting his call to the ministry a year later under the leadership of Pastor John Watson, Sr. A few years later, he along with his family, started attending Walnut Park Church. For the next 15 years, he would grow in servanthood and leadership, as he helped grow the youth ministry and spearhead the YPWW program for the entire district. Kenneth also started Descending Dove, an outreach ministry that partnered with youth programs, homeless shelters, public service organizations and specialized in the making of anointing oils.

Elder Jackson's work life, home life and spiritual life soon began to align-family, ministry, community out-reach and the salvation of souls became his main focus. While attending Evangelist Center Church, under Elder Leon Stewart, Kenneth met Shirley and they were later joined in holy matrimony on June 7, 2009.

Soon after, he was called into ministry with Bishop Marquello Futrell and began his career with TIERS Goodwill. There he obtained many medical certifications and was a voice of comfort and reason to all his clients. With a wealth of knowledge in God's Word and service through leadership, Kenneth and his wife went to serve at Green Pasture Christian Church under Pastor Perron Dailey.

On August 8, 2023, surrounded by love, his family and the prayers of the saints, Elder Kenneth Leroy Jackson answered the voice of our Savior calling him home. Knowing that God's purpose had been fulfilled on Earth, he went home in the Lord's sweet embrace.

Left to soldier on: His loving wife and partner, Shirley Jackson; his six children, Malcolm Weaver (Shiree), Marcus Weaver, his namesake, Kenneth Jackson, Jr. (Michea), his only daughter Shara Jackson, Brandon Jackson and his baby boy, Demetruis Jackson; his sister Sheila Buadu (Kwame) and his brother Steven Bell; his (step) children, though he didn't know them as such, Arlisa Martin (Pastor Joseph), Denise Johnson, Cynthia Walker (Jerry), Felicia Malone, and Shaun Malone; 15 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a plethora of nieces, nephews, spiritual children, friends, extended family and people who knew and love him.