Dr. Jackson ISU Memorial

Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 5:00 PM

JacksonDr.

GeorgeHelp students see through

themselves so that they may see themselves through!

~ Dr. George A. Jackson

Sun Room, Memorial Union

Dr. George A. JacksonObituary of a Celebrated Life

George Arthur Jackson, affectionately known as “Jack”, was the third of five children born to Nemiah and Sarah Jackson in Milton, Florida. George passed away at Absolute Care Assisted Living on July 3, 2016.

As a young man, he attended T. R. Jackson K-12 School in Milton, Florida. George attended the Mary McCloud Bethune-Cookman College where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in history and political science/sociology. In 1963-64, he taught in the social studies department at Howard High School in Ocala, Florida. In 1966, he attended North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina where he received his Master’s Degree in counseling and psychology. In 1976, Dr. Jackson received his Ph.D. in administration of higher education and sociology at Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan.

George married his lovely wife and best friend on August 24,1968 in Ocala, Florida. They began their life together with a move to Pontiac, Michigan and became parents to two beautiful daughters, Terri and Toni. In Pontiac, George taught high school history, sociology and Black History for one school year. Thereafter, from 1971-1978, he went on to dedicate his professional life to assisting minority students in Trio Programs at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. He continued his passion for helping students by moving to Ames, Iowa in 1979 to become the Vice President of Minority Student Affairs where he increased minority student enrollment and retention. Dr. Jackson laid the foundation for recruitment and retention for the underrepresented/minority, first generation college students at predominantly white, higher education institutions.

Dr. Jackson was a pillar citizen in a host of community, state and national organizations. To mention a few, he championed the first George Washington Carver Chair at Iowa State University. Dr. Jackson was also instrumental in starting the local Chapter of the NAACP in Ames, Iowa where he served as president for six consecutive years. In addition to local community activities, he was State Chair of the State of Iowa African American Hall of Fame. Nationally, he was an active member of the Mid-America Equal Opportunity of Education and served as president. George’s contribution will be forever remembered as a dedicated colleague, mentor, coach, friend, father, brother, uncle and husband.

George’s memory and legacy will continue to live through his wife of forty-seven years, Dr. Clemmye L. Jackson and their two daughters, Terri Jackson Carson and Toni Jackson Lampley; grandchildren, Kalen Jackson Carson, 18, Kenzi Jordan Carson, 16, Darren Thomas Lampley, 11, Brandon Christopher Lampley, 10, Natalie Janae Lampley, 4; twin brother and sister, Benjamin Jackson (Tommie) and Betsy Johnson (Russell); aunts, Eva Parker and Berdia Gordon; nieces and nephews, Felicia Johnson, Alicia Graham (Tony ), Benjamin Jr., Ericka Jackson, Grace Huffman, Shirley Bell (Roosevelt), Earline Florence (Drayton Sr.), Sarah Bryant (Erik), Drayton Florence Jr, Rashard Bell, Torrence Tucker, Donald Huffman, Kimberly Huffman and a host of great nieces, nephews and their children, plus generations of cousins, friends, students and colleagues.

Preceding George in death were his parents Nemiah and Sarah Jackson; sister, Stella Harris; brother, Nemiah Jackson Jr. (Tippy); and uncle, John Gordon.

For many years, George had a passion for golf. He enjoyed watching his favorite western movies and vacationing with family. All in all, he cared about others and his legacy and impact will live on forever.George was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and a lifetime member of the NAACP.

I have done several things in my life that have been right. One thing I

know I did right is in choosing George as my soulmate, confidant and

best friend – who ultimately became the father of our two wonderful

young ladies and grandfather to five beautiful and extraordinary

grandchildren.

George was a special and amazing husband and father who always

put family first. As I look back on our lives, we were blessed with an

ideal family - a family of God where love, spirituality and contentment

flourished continuously. I will always cherish the memories of our joy,

celebrations and laughter. Our family trips and vacations were special

because he made sure we had fun.

George was my ROCK! He was a loving husband and person who

would sacrifice and give you his last. My friends were his friends and

his friends were mine. Our professions were interrelated. Enjoying

most of the same things (i.e. music, reading, writing, research, travel,

most of the same sports and helping others) ensured that we had a

special bond – a marriage filled with laughter and happiness

surrounded with great loving family, precious friends, amazing dear

students and colleagues.

George, I loved your sense of humor and your inner soul. You always

said I taught you how to love, but you taught me how to love more.

We were quite the team! I will live each day with you in my heart,

mind and soul. You always worried about me. Know I will be okay

because I had a great teacher in you! Your endearing love and the

precious memories we built together will help me carry on your

legacy and labor of love.

I am blessed that God put you in my life. You impacted me and so

many others. You are truly a child of GOD! I am blessed to have had

you as a part of my life.

As you watch over me and smile, know I will continue to live up to

your favorite words, “That’s my Girl!”

I will always and forever be, “Your Girl!”

Your loving wife,

Clemmye

A Tribute To My Love

THERE IS A HAND,I love to hold. A face I love to see.There is a voiceI love to hear,That means the world to me.

THERE IS A HEART,That understandswhat I am dreaming of.And all of these belonged to you… The wonderful man I Love.

-Anonymous

“Amazing Grace” Body of Christ Church Choir

Welcome Jeffery Johnson, President/CEO, ISU Alumni Association

Scripture and Prayer Toran Smith, Pastor, Body of Christ Church

“Our Father’s Prayer” Lenola Allen-Sommerville, Retired Faculty, ISU

Obituary (read in silence)

Video Slide Presentation

Official ExpressionsAnn Campbell, Mayor, City of AmesWayne Ford, Former Representative, State of Iowa, 65th DistrictReginald Stewart, Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion, Iowa State University

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Tribute Kenyatta Shamburger, Director Multicultural Student Affairs, Iowa State University

“Give Me Jesus” Jackie Martin

Student ExpressionsMarc Urquhart, ISU ‘89, Hand & Orthopedics Surgery, Sports MedicineTerrence Sheffey, ISU ‘88, Owner/CEO Sheffey ConsultantsMarcia Thompson, ISU ’91, Senior Manager of Public Affairs, State Farm InsuranceRhonda Hawkins Lyke, ISU ’90, Administrative Law Judge, Illinois DCFS

“I Believe I Can Fly” Kassandra McGhee, ISU ’92 and ’94, Power 4 Living

Faculty & Staff ExpressionsLenola Allen-Sommerville, Retired Faculty, Iowa State University Warren Madden, Senior Vice President Emeritus, Iowa State University

Community ExpressionEdna Clinton, President, Ames Branch NAACP

Professional & Personal Reflections Robert Barr, International Educator and Former Professor, Boise State UniversityRobert Denson, President, Des Moines Area Community CollegeThomas Hill, Senior Policy Advisor to President, Iowa State University

Closing Remarks Jeffery Johnson, President/CEO, ISU Alumni Association

Please join us for a reception following the program in the South Ballroom, Memorial Union.

Order of Celebration

It was not uncommon most Saturday afternoons to find our Dad, Dr. George A. Jackson,

enjoying a good ‘ole fashion western movie. He loved how they centered around the life of

a stranger, cowboy or gunfighter enlisted to protect a helpless town or conquer an

unsettled territory. He would sit in his favorite chair watching the great legends like Roy

Rogers, John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, having no idea that we will forever hold him in the

same regard – a hero and a legend.

A Tribute to Our Father

Toni Jackson Lampley1993 ISU Graduate

Terri Jackson Carson1991 ISU Graduate

An honorable, smart, noble husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and educator. A fighter on his own

western-frontier for minority students everywhere. He stood up for their rights to have a quality education.

Dedicated and loyal, he cared immensely about the lives of students and their success. Dr. George A.

Jackson was an advocate for learning; wanting dreams to become a reality for many and he believed in all

of us when no one else bothered or took the time. Yes, he was a legend in his own right.

When you saw our Dad walking on campus or stepping up to a microphone (which he never needed), everyone

knew something would be said or done that was not to be missed or duplicated. Dad was bold, in your face, yet

tender and understanding when it really mattered. Our Dad never claimed to have accomplished his successes

single-handedly. He was a collaborator and a partner with so many of his colleagues and students.

We consider ourselves blessed to have had such a wonderful father. Our household was one of service. We know

of nothing else. Our home was a home away from home for many Iowa State students. You grew up with us and

we consider you our extended family. Dad has kept every card and/or email sent explaining your hardships and

celebrating your victories. And so—we honor the legend that brought us together, Dr. George A. Jackson. He

made it to all of our showdowns and fought off our adversaries. It would make him proud if we imitated his service

and reached out to make others great. He leaves a legacy of dedication and service at Iowa State University.

We thank you, Dad. We love you and we will forever continue your legacy; for it lives in all of us.

Your loving daughters,

From the many stories, comments, thank you’s and well wishes we have received, here are just a few thoughts

shared about an admirable person named Dr. George A. Jackson…

Jackson Family Tributes

Another Missing Branch

God, we thank you for planting this special

branch, George A. Jackson, among the lives

of the Jackson Family Tree nurtured by

Nemiah & Sarah Jackson, Sr.

We will always cherish the fruits borne from

his labor, wisdom and the legacies he leaves.

George’s gifts to mankind as manifested

through his development of students

throughout his career leaves us with high

standards that we can incorporate into our

lives to set bold goals erected on a firm

foundation of positive encouragements.

George’s branch will always be remembered

for sprouting hope, humor and exemplifying

the highest standards and endless love.

We commit George’s soul back into the

hands of God and wish him eternal peace!

Betsy Johnson & Benjamin Jackson, Sr.

Your GrandchildrenA new angel has risen and is watching over everyone

who knew and loved him. I’m happy for my grandfather

for he is free from suffering and at the gate of heaven.

🙏🏾 You will be missed George; but, your legacy will

forever live on as you rise above us.❤️ Rest easy and fly

high!

Love, Kenzi

From us, you are gone way too

soon. We love you. We will miss

you! Yet, we are grateful for our

time with you and we will live

everyday remembering who you

are and what you taught us!

Love, Darren, Brandon

and Natalie

Thank you. Thank you, George

for teaching me how to be a

young man. I'll always remember

how much you cared for others

and put them first. Your legacy

will live on forever.

Love, your grandson Kalen

Hostesses & Ushers George A. Jackson A Man of Vision, Breadth & Strategy

Mid-America Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (MAEOPP)

allant was an approach but not always an intent

to get a job well done.

mpowering the efforts of young people and

adults was a mission fulfilled.

pen to success, his goal was desegregation,

integration reform and broadened higher education opportunity.

evered for his successful goals and objectives.

raceful in his approach to ensure the success of

others, he took every effort to get it right.

xceptional in his approach and commitment to

the support and education of young people, few would disagree that he was uniquely talented.

cclimated to fight for the causes most important

for people’s rights, students’ success, educational progress, George made a difference in the worldand put his stamp on history.

oyfully he was excited to be the husband and

family man admired by others who shared his love of family.

lways proud to talk about the beautiful wife and

daughters he was fond of, he often shared his wishes for their greatness.

rafting ideas for regulations, programs, and

research were important to his hopes for the academic success of others.

indred in spirit, he loved his life and the efforts to

make a difference.

adness was not George’s way. Celebrating and

rejoicing what could be successful was his way of life.

pen to the need for helping others have

successful lives, George joined, organized and agreed to serve in leadership roles.

ationally known author, respected, revered…

We Celebrate, George A. Jackson!

Our sincere gratitude for the generous outpouring

of prayers, condolences, flowers, cards and contributions we have received. Your kind expressions of love and friendship continues to encourage and lift our spirits each day. Your prayers have helped sustain our family. It is times like these that we are reminded how much family and friends mean to us. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, stories and cherished memories.

Special thanks to HeavenSent Home Health Care, Inc. and Absolute Care Assisted Living Facility. Your loving caretakers and special nurses made all the difference in taking such good care of our dearest loved one. We are grateful for your kindness and compassion.

A special thanks and appreciation to Iowa State University President, Dr. Steven Leath, the faculty and staff and students for hosting and supporting the Celebration of George’s Life and Legacy. Your kind generosity, support and cooperation has touched our hearts. Iowa State was always special to George. “It was truly his home away from home.”

Acknowledgements

HOSTESSESDr. Barbara Woods

Ms. Thelma Harding

USHERSBarbara Barnes Brown, ISU ‘92

Kim Young-Williams, ISU ‘89Dr. Cherie Meeks

Lori Burns, ISU ‘89GEO

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NFor Dr. Jackson Legacy updates, announcements,

activities & more, text DrJACKSON to 55469!

The Legacy Continues!The students and alumni of Iowa State University, along with the family, are committed to furthering the legacy of Dr. George A Jackson.

We Shall Always Remember!