Alfred Jackson

Alfred was born in Port Chester, New York, on February 29, 1936,
“a leap year baby” to parents Alton (Alfred) and Edna Jackson.
He joined older siblings Bernard and Elizabeth.

As families sometimes do for economic reasons, they relocated
several times. During the 1940’s, the family relocated to
Washington, D.C., where young Alfred attended D.C. public
schools. In his early adult years, he joined older brother
Bernard and his wife Edna to live in Stamford Connecticut.

Later he relocated again and decided to settle in New York City.
His first marriage to the late Ophelia Matthews produced one
child, Antoinetta (Diane). On September 15, 2014, he married
his friend of thirteen years, Saundra Finley and the couple
decided to move from New York and settle in Upper Marlboro,
Maryland.

Alfred has worn many hats or titles in his lifetime such as son,
husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather,
brother, uncle, cousin, soldier, employee, and friend. He was
Mr. Jack to his stepchildren. He had nicknames for himself such
as “Bo Jack” and “Black Jack from New York City,” but to most,
he was just plain “Jack”.

Alfred served his country and was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
He was employed by companies such as Sorenson, Raytheon and
until his retirement, he was an employee of New York City
Transit. He loved retirement and often stated that he could
stay in bed as long as he pleased in the morning, because he had
gotten up early for so many years.

In retirement he enjoyed swimming and was a member of an elite
senior swim team called “The Harlem Honey and Bears.” Known for
his backstroke, he won many medals and trophies. He loved to
walk for exercise. A favorite past-time of his was monitoring
and investing in the stock market. He loved to dance. When the
music started, he was one of the first on the dance floor.

At a family gathering a few years ago, the subject of headstones
was discussed. Saundra chose “Loved By All Who Knew Him.” He
was a kind, loving, gentle and generous man. Genuinely loved by
his wife, family, friends, and all who knew him.

In conversations with him, he would often reply “that he was
living life on life’s terms and that God helps those who help
themselves.”

He departed this life peacefully on Wednesday May 24 th . As a
veteran, he could have chosen to burial in a veteran’s cemetery,
instead he chose Lincoln Memorial Cemetery where he could lie in
rest near his dad, mom, sister, and other family members. This
is not good-bye, but God Speed and God Bless. Until we meet
again.

Alfred leaves to mourn his passing, wife Saundra, daughter
Diane, stepdaughters Lashawn Hayes, Kenyetta Hines, nieces
Beverly (Alvin Hughes), Sharon and Michelle Gatlin, nephew
Bernard Jackson, Jr., great-nieces Makeitha Hughes, Natalie
Hughes-Perry, grandson Chico Grant, step-grandchildren Craig
(Jessica), Marcus, Jr., and Jaylin Hayes, Curtis Evans and
Aaliyah Hines, step-great-grandchildren Hollis and Harley Hayes
and Jordan Durand. There are many more family members and
friends too numerous to name.