Obituary of Al Jackson

Albert Sharpe Jackson was born August 16, 1939 at Success, Arkansas to parents Albert Silas and Velma Sharpe Jackson. He departed this earthly life Saturday, August 22, 2020. Al’s education consisted of several two-room schools, then Naylor Grade School and High School. High school sports provided some of the highlights of his life with a verified scoring of 70 basketball game points once and 50 points frequently scored. Al furthered his education at Arkansas State University, graduating with a BS in education, and later a master’s in counseling. Following high school, he served a two-year stint in the US Army earning an honorable discharge. Work in St. Louis consisted of McDonnell Douglas employment, a phone company, and a used car lot. Al returned to Naylor and then began teaching for several years at Doniphan High School while also working at Edwards Funeral Home. Al was a faithful church attendee; afterward, he always had his favorite Bible beside his favorite chair and could often be seen mowing lawns for older people. Multiple friends, relatives, and acquaintances, including his minister as well as church members, and even some former students provided frequent moral and practical support until his health decreased. Reluctantly Al attempted to adapt to his new environment; eventually he received an effective medication which afforded him peace and also preserved his memory. Unfortunately, his physical body was exhausted. Survivors include son, Brad Jackson; grandson, Jake Jackson; sister Elizabeth (Betty) Jones; sister-in-law, Barbara Jackson; nephew, Mike Jackson; niece, Jan (Jason) Andrews; nephew, Randall (Laura) Sparkman; special cousin, Calvin Pitts; great nieces and nephews, Courtnee (Jason), Cory (Taylor), Addison, MacKay, Jalen, Jordan, Sumner, and Blake; as well as great-great nieces and nephews and multiple cousins. Among other special people in Al’s life were his beloved mother until her death, Jay Mondy, Jeri Chase Hudson, Pastor Larry Earl, and Mary Sparkman. Preceding him in death are his parents; older brother, Howard; brother-in-law, Rex Jones; nephew, Kendall Sparkman; maternal grandparents, Dollie and Frank Sharpe; and multiple aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Pastors Larry Earl, Jason Jordan, and Jalen Andrews will be officiating. Burial will be in the Doniphan City Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials may be made to the Al Jackson Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Edwards Funeral Home.