Beloved Genesis centenarian, Allan Jackson, died November 2—just weeks before turning 106—and has been laid to rest at the Salt Lake City Cemetery next to his father.Allan Ceascear Jackson was born November 24, 1903, to John Henry Jackson and Eva Mary LeDerman in Nassau, Bahamas. He was so proud to have been baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was 92, and remained a faithful member of the Church and a well-loved member of the Genesis Group.
A man of diverse life experiences, Brother Jackson was one of 13 children. He grew up in a Jewish household, was a vaudeville entertainer, and held a wide diversity of jobs—working as a waiter, delivery man, factory worker, railroad worker, cook, sandblaster/steam cleaner, truck driver, construction worker, doorman, and teacher. He also owned and operated a hotel and nightclub.
He joined the U.S. Army during World War II, and served for 12 years as a sergeant, cook, and MP. Brother Jackson was featured in "Utah World War II Stories: The Homefront," the fourth in a series on Utahns who fought in World War II, aired on KUED TV. An interview with Brother Jackson was also featured in the first part of the series, "The Struggle," in which members of the "Greatest Generation" recounted their experiences from Pearl Harbor to the Doolittle Raid. Click here to read a transcript of the full interview, in which Brother Jackson discussed experiences unique to him as an African-American soldier.
Brother Jackson loved the Lord and loved the scriptures. His secret to a long life was "to love myself so I can love everyone else." The twinkle in his eyes and his genuine laughter will be sorely missed.
He outlived each of his seven wives. He is survived by his 14-year canine companion, Samson; 13 siblings; 40 children; 59 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great-grandchildren; six great-great-great-grandchildren; and an "extended family" of loving friends.
A celebration of Brother Jackson life was be held November 6 at the Rosepark Northpoint Ward in Salt Lake City. Several members of the Genesis Group—including President Don Harwell, President Orin Howell, and Karyn Dudley—spoke at Brother Jackson's funeral. President Eddie Gist offered the benediction, and James Sheppard sang "Amazing Grace." Members of the Genesis Group also sang "Old Precious Lord."
Click here to read a tribute to Brother Jackson that was featured in the Salt Lake Tribune. (Photo above courtesy of the Salt Lake Tribune.)