Willie (Will) Emanuel Jackson was born February 23, 1948 and departed this life on Friday morning, July 12, 2019 at home. Will passed away peacefully with his loving wife, Helen by his side. Helen was also Will’s primary caregiver, and wife of 48 years.
Will confessed his belief in Christ at an early age, and joined the Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir, and later served on the deacon board and as Church treasurer. Will served faithfully in the Church until his health failed.
Will spent most of his childhood and adult life in Mobile, he graduated from Williamson High School. Upon graduating from high school, he attended Tuskegee University, where he majored in Engineering. While at Tuskegee, Will met the love of his life, Helen. Helen shared that when she and Will met, she was attracted to another gentleman, and paid little attention to Will, but Will watched her and persisted, and tried his best to get her undivided attention. After many attempts, he won her over with numerous meals of fried chicken and French fries, from the famous Tuskegee “Chicken Coup”. After five years of courtship, Helen and Will were married on March 6, 1971 at the home of her parents in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and remained married until his death.
Will spent most of his working years as an engineer designer for International Paper Company, and a member of the Alabama Army National Guard. Will retired from the Alabama Army National Guard in the rank of Sergeant First Class. Will was active in his Church as a Deacon until his health failed. He loved fishing and socializing with friends. He was active with the Gulf Coast Multiple Sclerosis Avengers, the foundation Helen established to support members and families of those in the Gulf Coast community suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.
Will was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ann Jackson, his father, Clarence Lewis, and stepmother, Dorothy Lewis.
Will is survived by his wife, Helen Taylor Jackson. Three brothers; Maurice R. (Ann) Lewis, Alonze Lewis, and Timothy L. Lewis. One sister, Madeline D. Lewis, one devoted cousin Stephanie D. Lambert, and one devoted sister and brother-in-law; Lorean and Glen Long. Two godsons, Brannan (Laniesha) Sanders, and Gerald Sanders. A host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gulf Coast Multiple Sclerosis Avengers, P. O. Box 91434, Mobile, AL 36691.