I've fought a good fight.  I've finished my course.  I've kept the faith.     II Timothy 4:7

Willie Aubrey Jackson, affectionately known as "Jack", was born on April 9, 1943, in Woodford, VA to the late Deacon Doctor Lee Jackson and Mrs. Elnora Jackson.  Willie departed this life peacefully after a long illness on Monday, March 17, 2025, at his family's home.

Willie was baptized at an early age by Rev. S. H. Carter of Zion Grove Baptist Church.  He played for the Junior and Senior Choirs while attending public schools.  His love for Zion Grove did not cease once he left home to attend Howard University in Washington, DC. He continued to work and support the Church.

Willie was a loving and caring son, grandson, and brother.  He was dedicated to his mother and grandmother.  He went to Baltimore, moved his grandmother to his home and took care of her until her demise.  There was nothing he wouldn't do for his mother or grandmother.  He was always concerned about his family.  He would call every day to see how everyone was doing.

Willie attended Union High School in Bowling Green, Virginia, graduating in 1961.  He obtained both a Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees from Howard University College of Fine Arts.  His post graduate studies included Jazz Students improvisation from Howard University (2008) and advance studies in Creative Music from Trinity University.  Willie held  professional  memberships in the following organizations:  Music Educators National Conference (MENC), Band Directors Eastern Conference, Church - Choral/Ministers of Music.

For 50 plus years, Willie  dedicated his life as a music educator to the children in the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS).  As a proud Howard graduate, he qualified for dual certification in both instrumental and vocal music  as a music supervisor. His teaching career included Macfarland Junior High School, Theodore Roosevelt Senior High, Anacostia Senior High, Woodson Senior High, Hardy Middle School, Scott Montgomery Elementary and the alternative school, Spingarn S.T.A.Y. Willie was known for being a progressive thinker and organizer. One of his proudest accomplishments was the formation of the "Roosevelt/Macfarland Marching Band." He devoted many hours and personal funds to its development.

The band became a force to be reckoned with as they won awards in national band competitions, and represented the city in local and out of state (California, Florida, New Orleans, New York, St. Louis, Chicago and Virginia, etc.) parades. Can you imagine the organization and fundraising effort it took to fly a marching band to locations such as these? Willie was also a gifted pianist. From his college days well into his senior years he served as organist and accompanist at Turner Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME)  under the leadership of Reverends S. Everett Guiles and Goodwin Douglas. While there he played for and directed the Men's Choir, Gospel Chorus, and Celestial Chorale.  He also organized, directed and played for the Young Men's Assemble of Turner which consisted of fourteen young men.  Willie was also the Minister of Music at The Bible Study Church, Rev. Charles Michael McCrimmon, Pastor, in DC for the past three plus years until his health failed.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Deacon Doctor Lee Jackson and Mrs. Elnora Jackson; and, his brother, Arthur Jackson.

He leaves to cherish his memories two brothers, Ross E. Jackson, Sr. and Dillard E. Jackson (Erma); two sisters, June D. Slaughter (Raymond) and Dianne E. Jackson; three nephews, Wallace Christopher, Jr., Raymond Slaughter, Jr. (Carolyn), and Sean Jackson (Jessica); three nieces, Denise Jackson, Tina Slaughter and Roslyn Jackson;  two special children, Olivia Thomas and Marchello Thomas; five special friends, Derrick Mack, Chanida Mack, Tracy Smallwood, Curtis Mack and Shirley Richardson; one loving and special caregiver, Tamala Ward; and a host of relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life:
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Viewing: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Third Mount Zion Baptist Church, 9132 Fredericksburg Turnpike, Woodford, Va.  22580

Interment will be in the Mount Lawn Cemetery, Woodford, Va.

The Celebration of Life Service will be livestreamed at: C W Edwards Funeral Home Facebook page.