April 3, 1946 – March 18, 2024

On April 3, 1946, in the small town of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the sun shone a little brighter as the world was graced with the presence of an eagerly anticipated baby boy, born to Marjorie Stoudamire Jackson and Booker T. Jackson. Going on to become the eldest of four boys and eventually the second eldest of eight children, Roy assumed adult-like responsibilities and began working in the fields picking cotton whenever he wasn’t in school excelling in his academic studies. An exemplary student in all facets of life, Roy came to know of God through his mother’s teachings and consecrated lifestyle as he often accompanied her on her walks to Trinity Church of God in Christ. As a grown man, Roy would often recall with fondness the pivotal moment in his childhood when Pastor DeWitt sparked the flame within his artistic soul by providing Roy with his very first saxophone, granting him the opportunity to participate in the Merrill High School Band. While forming a kinship with one another grounded in their love of ensemble music, Roy and a few of his bandmates collaborated to form a group within the school band, aptly known as “The Royals.”
Having keenly observed her son’s natural aptitude towards musicianship, Roy’s mother purposed in her heart to bring to fruition an unmistakable unction she felt to sacrificially set aside a portion of her $15/ week salary until she was able to afford a brand new baritone saxophone for her 14 year old prodigy of a son. To her delight, she received the ultimate return on her investment when her son’s natural giftedness, remarkable skill, and diligent dedication as a member of the band earned him a full music scholarship to Arkansas AM&N (presently known as UAPB) where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics and Music. Roy cherished his baritone saxophone—a tangible token of his mother’s unwavering faith in her son’s overwhelming artistic prowess—throughout the duration of his life. Upon graduating from college, Roy Sr became an educator in the Kansas City school district. During this time, he married Norma (Key)Turner; to this union, his eldest daughter, LaJuana Jean, was born.
A few years later, Roy Sr found himself in a desperate season of life on a New Year’s Day. While feeling downtrodden from job loss and a failed marriage, he walked aimlessly in the Kansas City snow for several miles. He happened upon a church, and decided to enter. That church was Faith Mission Church of God in Christ, and this church of a few hundred people was in the midst of their New Year’s revival. The pastor, Elder Lambert, bowed his head and prayed fervently as Roy stepped in and nervously walked all the way to the front row in the congregation. As Elder Lambert continued to pray, Roy spoke within the secrecy of his inner heart: “God, I wish this man would pray for me.” Just then, Elder Lambert stopped praying, looked up and set his eyes on Roy, and pointed directly at him, saying: “Young man, God wants me to pray for you.” That night, Roy made a vow to follow Jesus and he never turned back. It was at Faith Mission that he met the love of his life, the lovely Patricia Murray. The two were married in August of 1974, and their love endured until the end. To this union, Roy Jr, LaDonna Kaye, and Candace Jean were born. Roy Sr went on to answer
the call to ministry where he eventually became an Elder as well as a world class musician, now devoutly utilizing his God-granted talent in service of God and the Church.
In 1983, after being hired by AMOCO Oil Refinery, Roy’s new job moved his family from Kansas City, Missouri, to Houston, TX, where they remain to this day. Roy applied his fastidious work ethic to his longtime career, finally retiring in 2008 after having accomplished a commendable 29 year-long career as a Process Operator for Amoco Oil Refinery (presently known as BP).
Roy exemplified a genuine heart for God as well as God’s people, thus living out his faith in whatever manner his daily opportunities afforded him. Testimonies from the thousands of lives that were touched by Elder Jackson reverberate loudly throughout his life and will continue to reverberate throughout all of Heaven for all of eternity. He was an abundantly generous person, ever willing and all the more eager to share with others whatever he had to give, even if it was his last. His spirit of generosity will forever be his legacy.
Roy was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie (née Stoudamire), his father, Booker T. Jackson; his sisters, Doris Jean and Lillie “Cookie” Toliver (Robert), and his younger brother Marvin. He leaves to mourn his passing: The love of his life, Patricia; his son, Roy Jackson Jr. (Marshae), his adopted son and nephew by marriage, Darryl Ragsdale (Felicha), and three daughters: LaJuana J. Robinson (Jackie), LaDonna K. Jackson, and Candace J. Jackson; two brothers, Curtis Jackson (Jane) and Cleophus Jackson; two sisters, Evelyn Jackson and Loretta Jackson; nine grandchildren: Ciera, Rishaad, Jaclyn, Liam, Eden, Gabrielle, Darryl Jr., London, and Grant; four great grandchildren: Oasis, Osiris, Alyssa, and Jericho, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.