Lee Roy Jackson

Lee Roy Jackson was born March 30, 1936 in Satartia, MS to Harry Ruby Hodge. 

Lee Roy married Johnnie Mae Willams in 1962 and to this union, they had one child, Janie Mae Jackson. He later re-located his family to Joliet, IL in 1966 where he resided for over 50 years. Upon moving, he began working in the Environmental Protection Maintenance Dept. at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center (Formerly St. Joseph Hospital) and worked faithful for over 40 years. He was well known as a hard worker, kind, and friendly. While still working full time, Lee Roy also held a part-time job at the First National Bank as a parking attendant for five years where he met many new people of different backgrounds and forged valuable connections within the community. Even after that, Lee Roy’s knack for fixing lawn mowers became very well known in the neighborhood, earning him the affectionate title of the “Lawn Mower Fix-It Man” among friends and neighbors.  He had a heart and a “gift of helps”.

Lee Roy was a member of the Mt. Ebal Missionary Baptist Church located in Lockport, IL and served as a dedicated trustee for over 30 years (1991-2023). He recently moved with his family to Surprise, AZ in June 2023.

Lee Roy was a great man who always put his family first, even during his early years as he helped his mother and siblings growing up. Lee Roy was a loving husband, and a caring father and more. Often referred to as “Papa” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was always there as a protector. He was a beautiful person who spread joy and happiness wherever he went.

Lee Roy Jackson sadly passed away on April 5, 2024 at his home in Surprise, AZ. He is preceded in death by his mother, Harry Ruby Hodge; and two brothers, Louis Jackson and Blanche C. Hodge; father, Robert Rankin Sr. (Verlean); and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Johnny and Emma Willams: and his aunt, Annie Mae Jackson.

Lee Roy leaves to cherish: his loving wife, Johnnie Mae Jackson; daughter, Janie Mae Jackson Drane; son, Bobby Joe Pinkney; grandson, Ryan O’Neil Parker; granddaughter, Jacqulyn Michelle Parker; grandson, Jordan Tyler Drane; his two great-granddaughters, Leeyah Michelle Basley and Jayanah Lee Parker; his sister, Carrie M. Holman (Burnell); brother, Melvin Coleman (Josephine); brother, Robert Rankin; sister, Mary Scales; brother, Johnny Rankin (Judy); sister, Mamie Rankin; brother, Jerome Rankin (Shunta); sisters-in-law, Linda Jackson and Bernice Haggard (Henry); brother-in-law, Lester Willams; and a host of nieces, nephews, church family, and friends.

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