Mr. Otis Willie Jackson

Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and mostly a “Man of God” quietly closed the book and went home to our Heavenly Father on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at the age of 75 years. Otis Willie Jackson was born October 16, 1947 in Noxubee County, Mississippi to Robert L. and Mary D. Jackson. During Otis high school years, he ran track as he was a true athlete graduating from Saginaw High School in 1966. Soon after he enlisted into the U.S. Army for two years, with an Honorable Discharge in 1968. While serving he earned a Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge & Air Medal. Following his military service, he married Elizabeth Taylor (Jackson), the mother of his three children and attended Western Michigan University receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He worked briefly for the City of Saginaw as an Accountant, and later became employed for General Motors Malleable Iron Plant as a Supervisor for 30 plus years before retiring. He was a devoted member of the Epicurian Elk’s Lodge #674 for 15 years, serving as Secretary for 13 years. Otis was always active, he had a great love for music and dancing, he was a member of a bowling league; he enjoyed golfing, had a love for sports and road trips to the Casino with his brother. He enjoyed the annual family reunions year after year as he traveled with family. Otis was big on education and questioned the younger generations during their transition to adulthood on, “What are your plans?”, meaning “You will be doing something”. Otis was a faithful member at Truevine Missionary Baptist Church where he was a man of integrity, courage, strength, compassion and wisdom, though there are not enough words to describe his character. Out of all roles he performed for his family, he was God sent for many, and for some a role model. Otis enjoyed spending quality time with family in which he demonstrated his diligence to be present in his family lives and, that brought him great joy. As we turn the pages in Otis’ book, it would tell of his successes and disappointments faced, joyous and sad times shared. Page after page would read about how he served and loved his master! He was ever ready, willing to give his time to those in need. Otis was very quiet but spoke what was on his mind good and bad! He led a life so noble, kind, and true. We celebrate his freedom from this mortal prison, no more pain, and no more suffering, He is now free to go and spread his wings. The deeds left behind will live on each day. Mr. Otis W. Jackson, Sr. leaves to cherish his memory, one son, Otis W. Jackson II (Archia), Saginaw, MI; two daughters, Veliria Jackson, Maricopa City, AZ and Sade Jackson, Saginaw, MI; step-daughter, Tan (Sabo) Davis, Lansing, MI; three granddaughters, LaTia Jackson, Fort Worth, TX, Tiauna Pratt and Kiauna Doss both of Saginaw; step-granddaughter, Samya Davis; five grandsons, Otis W. Jackson III, Saginaw, Donnell DaVon Sample, Antonyo M. and Christian Boone both of Maricopa City, AZ, Javari Jackson (Kelsey), Arlington, TX; step-grandson, Terrence Shepherd, Jr., Lansing, MI; four great-grandchildren, Kamariaee’ and Kailynn Washington, Kali Williams, Saginaw, MI, Denim Sample, Chandler, AZ; three sisters, Aretha Hairston, Gloria M. Taylor and Mary L. (Leslie) Addison all of Saginaw; four nieces, Deloris Jackson-Taylor, Rosa McNair and Krystal Buckler all of Saginaw and Robin Price, Lansing, MI; five nephews, Richard (Cheryl) Walker, Saginaw, Anthony Walker, Bowling Green, KY, Ameer Al-Lateef, Phoenix, AZ, Bilal and Samir Al-Lateef, Saginaw; two uncles, Charlie L. Jackson, Sr., St. Louis, MO and Harvey (Fay) Jackson, Louisville, MI; seven aunts, Pecolar Pendlteon, St. Louis, MO, Vaterine Smith, Ruthie M. Williams, both of Columbus, MS. Johnnie K. Jackson, Catherine Triplette, both of Louis, MS. Ora . (Tommie) Seals, Cleveland, OH and May Beck, St. Louis, MO; god-sisters, Helena (Bill) Badger and Belinda (Brian) Johnson both of Saginaw; special friends, George (Charlene) Porter, Zebedee (Virgie) McCall and Carrie Holliday all of Saginaw; a host of great-nieces and nephews; many cousins, other dear relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Otis was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary D. Jackson; brother, Ysuf Al-Lateef; nephew, Damon P. McNair, Jr; a cousin, Fredrick Jackson and a brother-in-law, Willie B. Hairston. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at TrueVine Missionary Baptist Church, 2930 Janes St., Saginaw, MI 48601. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Pastor Paul E. Broaddus will officiate with interment in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens, 7475 E. Holland Road, Saginaw, Michigan.

Mr. Otis Willie Jackson

October 16, 1947 - October 15, 2023