Willie “Pete” Jackson was the epitome of a Servant Leader as he exemplified Christ in all aspects of his life as a husband, father, son, uncle, brother, minister, and elder in the Lord’s church and community. He never compromised or waivered in his love for the Lord, his love for his family or his love for his fellowman. Pete was a calming, loving presence whose hands were calloused from hard work and resolute attention to the family of God and all who came in contact with him.

Bro. Pete distinguished himself as a man of wisdom – a thoughtful and dedicated scholar of the word, a teacher and preacher who rightly divided the word of God, a personal and spiritual counselor who helped hundreds of couples prepare for marriage or saved marriages using God’s example of grace, forgiveness and agape love. He also served as a generous mentor to scores of young men and women. His greatest joy was seeing those young people that he’d mentored grow up leading lives to the glory and honor of God.

“Bro. Pete” as he was affectionately called faithfully served as minister of the Westside Church of Christ in Jacksonville Florida for over twenty years and was a member of the Church of Christ for over fifty- four years.

He began preaching at the tender age of thirteen under the tutelage of his grandfather, Bro John L. Lundy. He spent twenty years at the Normandie Ave congregation in Los Angeles where he served as a Deacon, Bible School Teacher, and Volunteer Education Department Chair. He served as full time Director of Education at the Northside Church of Christ for seven years. At the Westside Congregation, Bro. Pete was ordained as an elder in 2008. He also served as Life Group #3 Advisor and Coordinator of Public Outreach, WHAM, Media, Boy and Girl Scouts ministries. While a member of the Cherry Street congregation, he briefly served as the Family Life Minister and taught the adult bible study class on Sunday morning.

Bro. Pete attended College at Pepperdine University, Los Angeles California and studied Mathematics and Psychology with a minor in Marriage and Family Counseling. Bro. Jackson also attended Rio Hondo Community College, Pomona California where he received certification in Checking and Layout Drawing. He was an Adjunct instructor at the University of North Florida continuing Education Department where he taught a course as a licensed Facilitator of “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey.

Bro. Pete served on boards and commissions of several governmental and civic affairs groups in the Jacksonville Community, including the Mayor’s Commission as Resource Facilitator for three years. Other board affiliations include: The Bridge of Northeast Florida, Clara White Mission, Minority Aids Commission Advisory Board, JIA/IRA JEDCO Board, Leadership Jax Board and Mayor’s Commission on Domestic Violence. He also completed training as a study circle facilitator of the Human Rights Commission of the City of Jacksonville and Volunteered as a Supreme Court Certified Mediator in cases of Civil Court.

Pete was often in demand as a local, statewide and regional lectureship speaker and workshop presenter at youth, singles and married couples’ seminars as well as conferences designed for church leaders.

“Pops” was also a talented gardener, carpenter, computer whiz and an amazing chef. His piece de resistance was his succulent brisket, smoked turkey and tasty barbecue sauce that was ready to be mass marketed – if only Pete would’ve allowed.

One of his most satisfying endeavors came during the seven year period he and Marsha spent in Watts directing the Kairos Youth House, a Church of Christ Community Center. There, Pete and Marsha worked tirelessly to carry out the mission of tutoring the children of the community in reading, math, building work place skill sets and family intervention and outreach ministry.

His experience at Kairos greatly informed his tenure when he served as Chief Community Officer in Mayor John Peyton’s administration. His vision for the office focused on literacy programs, economic development in Empowerment Zones, maximizing the use of benefits in those zones, racial reconciliation and affordable housing.

Pete and Marsha celebrated 50 years of marriage during 2017 and to this union God blessed them with three children - Antoinette, Nichelle and son Gerald. Pete was preceded in death by his parents Willie C. Jackson and Norris Lundy Jackson Reed, his brother Gerald Arthur Jackson, his step-father Eddie Reed and his son Gerald Jackson.

Pete leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife Marsha, faithful and dedicated daughters Antoinette and Nichelle; sister, Tierney Jean Akins; sister-cousin, Jacquelin Clark (Horace); brother-in-law Ronald Smothers. He is also survived by nieces and nephews: Tanesha Mountain (Andre), Brian Akins, Tabatha McCullom (Gregory), Borris Akins (Sonja), Benjamin Akins, Brandon Akins, Meshele Clark, Horace Clark (Lisa) and Harvey Clark (Amanda), Ronson Smothers, Stewart Smothers (Sandra), Anthony Wright and Kelly Wright. Goddaughters: Kendra Hawkins and Brianna Jackson; dozens of adopted daughters, sons, granddaughters and grandsons; seventeen great nieces and nephews.


The funeral service for Willie 'Pete" Jackson, II will be held 11:00 am SATURDAY, September 16th, 2017 at the Westside Church of Christ, 23 W. 8th St. The visitation will be held 5 - 7:00 pm, Friday, at the Cherry Street Church of Christ, 1140 McDuff Ave. S. Interment in Restlawn Cemeteries. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234

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