Ellsworth Jackson

Ellsworth Jackson, 85, of Oxon Hill, MD, passed peacefully on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. Ellsworth was born in Washington D.C. on February 13, 1937 to the late Harry and Naomi Jackson. He grew up happily in a large, close-knit family. After attending Phelps high school, five days after his 18^th birthday, he joined the United States Air Force. He bravely served our country for 20 years, being stationed in Taiwan, Germany, Hawaii, Texas and lastly Andrews Air Force Base. He served in the Vietnam War as a Military Police Officer. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for the Library of Congress also as a Police Officer and later transitioned to become the Facilities Manager.  He retired from the Library of Congress after working there for 30 years. During his service there, he met many important political figures.  To name a few,  presidents Linden B. Johnson, George H.W. Bush, along with The Late Queen Elizabeth II.

During his time in the service Ellsworth picked up a few hobbies, such as fast-pitch softball,  bowling and golf.  He was in a few different bowling leagues which included Bolling Air Force Base,  Andrews Air Force Base and also Parkland Bowling alley. He bowled many perfect games. His family was always there to cheer him on, and of course were bowlers as well. He continued bowling and playing golf until he physically couldn’t anymore. In addition to being an avid bowler, he was also a head coach for the Saturday youth league at Bolling Air Force Base. He was not just a coach to the kids in the youth league, he was also a father figure. His input and guidance didn’t stop once the kids were out of the league and grew up to have families of their own.  He continued to be part of their lives until his passing.

Another hobby of Ellsworth was photography. He enjoyed taking pictures of his family and would purchase the latest a greatest camera equipment to do so.  He toted his camera and all of his equipment with him to all events.  When his youngest son Andrew attended Howard University and was a member of The Howard University Showtime Marching Band, Ellsworth became part of the photography staff.  He attended every event, locally and out of town and continued to do so well after Andrew was no longer in school. He and the band director, John Newsome, formed a very special bond that continues today.

Ellsworth was also a member of the Vietnam Veterans Group. Like anything else he was involved in, he wasn’t just a member, he became a leader.  If someone needed anything or had questions, if he didn’t know the answer, he would be sure to find the answers for them.  He was held in very high regard.

He was a faithful servant of the Lord, serving as a Deacon at Mt. Sinai. He was the chairman of the trustee’s board, in charge of the finance department. He also was second in charge of teaching Sunday school. His favorite scripture was 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things become new”.

When Ellsworth had down time, he enjoyed spending time with his wife Shirley.  They would go on drives around town, spend time with the grandkids, shopping, go out to eat (a lot). Their favorite thing to do together was to sit outside in their swing and listen to music. If they weren’t on one of their outings, he was in the house enjoying his favorite TV shows.  Judge Judy (we knew not to call him between 3 and 4 o’clock), Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

Ellsworth joins in heaven his parents, brothers Arthur, Harry, Ernest, and Melvin Jackson; his sisters Delores White, Shirley Simms, and Ruth Jackson West.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Shirley Jackson, his children Erica Carter (Patrick), Andrew Jackson (Akia), and Stephan Jackson. He is also survived by his grandchildren Antonio Fogg, Jr., Erique Fogg, Cairo Jackson, and bonus-grandchildren Brielle, Aliyah, Justin, and Julian Carter.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses.