Mr. Mathis Cornelious Jackson, Sr.

His Journey: Mathis Cornealious Jackson, Sr. was born on March 11,1944 to the late Ferdie and Lucille Jackson in Sherrill, Arkansas. He was the younger of two children born to this union. Mathis accepted Christ at an early age and served God all his life. In his youth, he joined Holy Cross Baptist Church. As a member of the choir, he enjoyed traveling around the city spreading the Word of God through song. He later joined Hartford Memorial Baptist Church and remained a member throughout his life. Mathis graduated from Northwestern High School in January 1961 at the age of 16. While working full time, Mathis continued to pursue his higher education. He took Cosmetology, he received an Associate of Science degree from Wayne Community College and he was in the pre-Dentistry program at Wayne State University. Mathis' incredible work ethic started when he began working as a paper boy. He was such an excellent salesman that he earned special trips for his efforts. He had many stories about his time as a police cadet in Detroit. In 1963, he began working on the line at Ford Motor Company. He was one of the first African-Americans to enter the Tool and Die maker apprentice program and later, advanced to a specialty as a Punch Finisher. He continued to work at Ford and retired after 44 years of dedicated service. Mathis was joined in Holy Matrimony to Eradell Jackson on March 21,1975. Two daughters were born to this union: Tangella and Vershana. Mathis was also the father of Mathis Jackson, Jr. and Malenia Jackson from a previous marriage. He was a hardworking, and devoted husband and father. He was a very selfless man with a loving heart. His family could always rely on him for anything. Mathis enjoyed spending time studying the Word and listening to gospel music. He was a great writer and composed many poems and songs. He also was a mathematical genius. One of his favorite things to do was to try to predict the pattern of lottery numbers. He loved to watch the military channel, Star Trek marathons, and almost anything that was science fiction. Mathis shared many years of love and laughter with his in-laws. He became a son, grandson, big brother, uncle, and nephew in a large extended family. He touched all of them in such a special way that no one felt that he was an in-law. He was simply family and he felt the same. Mathis had a love for children and a special bond with all of his nieces and nephews. Many generations of kids have their own special memories of uncle Mat. He was known for having plenty of each person's favorite snacks on hand just in case they stopped by. Mathis touched the lives of everyone he met in a special way and will forever be in all of our hearts. After a lengthy illness, Mathis departed this life on June 25, 2018.

Mr. Mathis Cornelious Jackson, Sr.

March 11, 1944 - June 25, 2018