EDWARD LEE JACKSON “BIG ED”

Edward Lee Jackson Sr. affectionately known “Big Ed” was born on December 20, 1948 to   Willie Earl Jackson Sr. and Lena Bell Jackson. He was the 3rd of 4 children born to this union: Cleester " Squirt ", Willie Jr. , his only sister Dale Jean, and one older brother Floyd Jackson from his father’s previous relationship. Big Ed departed this earthly life on January 11, 2021. Big Ed confessed his     belief in Jesus Christ our Savior and started reading scriptures. He faithfully read five pages of the Holy Bible daily.

Big Ed attended Manley High School before transferring and graduating from Marshall High School in Chicago, Illinois. He met and fell in love with his high school sweetheart Marsha Elaine Johnson, and to this union two children were born, Edward Lee Jackson Jr. “Little Ed” and Lena Nicole Jackson “Little Lena”. Big Ed loved his children dearly and confessed to his son that he still loved  Marsha his entire life.  Big Ed often spoke of how much his only daughter Little Lena meant to him. Little Lena took good care of Big Ed while they both waited on his son to come home. Big Ed shared a very unique bond of love and loyalty never broken in life with his children.  All of his nieces and   nephews loved him, he would lay in the middle of the floor, calling them names, wrestling and     playing. Big Ed did this for four generations. 

Big Ed worked at Catholic Charities in Chicago, Illinois for over 30 years. Big Ed retired and   relocated from his hometown of Chicago, Illinois to Akron, Ohio. Big Ed enjoyed his quiet life in Akron with his loving and loyal daughter Little Lena.  Big Ed was so excited to move to Akron to be closer to his sister Dale Jean. He would often say that moving to Akron and getting older made him “soft”. He would show more affection and emotion and even told us that he loved us which was different for him. Big Ed was a gentle giant that was slow to speak but when he did the impact was huge. He was a quiet man that did not waste words but gave so much wisdom. Big Ed was such a fun and good  natured man that EVERYBODY loved. He enjoyed washing cars with his grandsons and making his famous Lemon Meringue pies. He was always up on all the sports and world current events. Big Ed was so proud to vote in the 2020 election.  He shared that he proudly voted three times in his life and all made history, The First Black Mayor of Chicago, First Black President of the United States, and First Black Female Vice President of the United States. Big Ed loved looking forward to daily calls with his son.  Big Ed had been standing firm and supportive in every facet to his son "Little Ed/pacman " whom he died loving.

Big Ed is survived by his son, Edward Lee Jackson Jr. “Little Ed”; daughter, Lena Nicole “Little Lena” (Ambro); grandchildren, Edward Lee Jackson III, Myles (Alana) , Eric, Tameka, O’Hadji, and Trevon; great granddaughter, Milani; special nephews, Illya (Victoria)  McGee, Willie McGee (Sara), and Patrick McGee; special niece, Makeba McGee (Terry); brother in law, John McGee; special cousin, Charles Walker “Big Charles”; special friends Terry Young, Pooh Bear, and Pep; and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. We will all miss you father the world has one less bright light in it.

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