Jackson, Charles Curtis (Age 82) of West Friendship, Maryland.

I'VE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT,
I'VE FINISHED MY COURSE,
I'VE KEPT THE FAITH, 2 TIM 4-7

Reflections of the Life of Charles Curtis Jackson

Charles Curtis Jackson of West Friendship, Maryland, peacefully departed this life on Monday, April 20, 2015. He was the son of the late Gaither D. Jackson and the late Elsie Farrare Jackson. Charles was affectionately called Curtis, Uncle Chief Curtis, Uncle Jack, Charlie, and Jack.

His journey began in Vienna, Dorchester County, Maryland on January 16, 1933. Charles was raised on a farm with his brothers and sisters. Charles attended the Vienna Elementary School, Vienna, Maryland, where he walked several miles to attend. He also attended the Frederick Douglass-St Clair High School in Cambridge, Maryland. At the age of 16, he entered Maryland State College in Princess Anne, Maryland (University of Maryland Eastern Shore). Charles left college to join the U.S. Air Force. He completed his tour of duty and returned to Maryland State College to obtain his degree in Agriculture Education, there he met the love of his life the former Theresa Ann Davis of Indian Head, Maryland.

Theresa "Babycakes" was his whole world, and he was proud to tell everyone he met of his love for her. They married on July 22, 1961 and shared a blissful life for 54 years, having a memorable 50th anniversary celebration. After a couple years of marriage, Jack and his Theresa moved to New York City where he pursued a career in the Federal Government, at the United States Department of Agriculture, first as a Plant Quarantine Inspector, and later as supervisor. Jack was assigned a temporary appointment in Bermuda in 1969. After his appointment, he was promoted to the Baltimore area as District and Regional Director. Jack retired in 1989 after 20 years of service.

Jack was a member of the American Legion Post 170 in Indian Head, MD.

He was actively involved with the Jackson Family Committee for 20 years serving as President for several. He enjoyed researching the rich heritage of his family.

While residing in Howard County, he joined Mount Pisgah AME Church in Columbia, MD which he dearly loved. Jack was a worker in the church and never thought it too much to do whatever was asked of him. He served in many capacities. Jack loved studying and sharing The Bible. Jack would enter into good-natured discussions with other members challenging them with this knowledge of the scripture. These sessions lead to the formation of the Wednesday Morning Bible discussion group. He loved spending hours working on lessons so there would be healthy discussions. He led the studies until his health prevented him from going further. Even then, he maintained an interest and would ask questions. He would be particularly happy and proud if all was going well.

He loved and admired young people and encouraged them every chance he had. He would speak of his experiences and would push the next generation to move forward. He particularly loved his men's choir. They teased him about making a 'joyful noise' to the Lord. Jack served as a Church Steward and was later appointed Steward Emeritus. He served as President of the Lay Organization receiving many accolades for his service. He was honored as Man-of-the-Year.

Jack loved everyone he met, and he and Theresa had an 'open-door' policy at their West Friendship home. He always offered a meal with love. Jack was famous for his smoked turkey and man, those RIBS! He was at peace with his daily activities and enjoyed the simple pleasures of rural life like mowing his lawn and tilling the soil and planting a beautiful garden. He never lost his agricultural skills and was a constant presence on his tractor while waving to his neighbors.

Jack was truly a man after God's heart.

Preceded in death: his parents, brothers, William Farrare, and Gaither Jackson Jr. Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife, Theresa; brother, Russell (Linda); sisters: Elois E. Lester (William), Shirley Jackson, Ethel Young, and Lillian Morris; sisters-in-law: Annette Jackson, Evelyn Gutrick (Lawrence); brother-in–law: John Davis (Janet), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and other relatives and friends.

Viewing, 5 to 8pm, Sunday, April 26, 2015 at Mt. Pisgah AME Church, 5901 Cedar Fern Court, Columbia, Maryland 21044 and on Monday, April 27, 2015 from 10:00am until time of Service, 11am at St. John Baptist Church, 9055 Tamar Drive, Columbia, Maryland 21045.

Interment, 11am, Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, Maryland 20623.