Raymond Lee Jackson

Mr. Raymond Lee Jackson, 90, of San Fernando, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 12, 2021.

Raymond Jackson was born in Wrightsville, Georgia to Maggie Brown Woods and Frederick Jackson on August 2, 1931. After high school he joined the Army branch of the United States Military in 1950. He served as a corporal for five years and was a veteran of the Korean War. Prior to being honorably discharged he was decorated with many medals of distinction including the Korean Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

On October 13, 1956 in Los Angeles, CA he married Ms. Wylma Jean Jackson and they welcomed their three beautiful daughters: Marlene, Jenna and La Tina. A noble man of service, Raymond joined the Los Angeles County Department of Hospitals in 1962 as a Guard. His position was later merged with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department where he retired as a Deputy Sheriff after serving the County of Los Angeles for 33 years and 5 months. While working and being a dedicated husband and father, he earned his Associates of Art degree in Police Science from Los Angeles Valley College in 1969 ultimately earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science from California State University Los Angeles.

Mr. Jackson was known for his dedication to serving people as a law enforcement officer, a lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and a community activist. Through the years Raymond served the community where he lived in the San Fernando Valley. He worked with the city council and lead the fight to bring a library, park, senior center, community center, banks, retail shops, restaurants, trees and bus stops to the underrepresented Pacoima and Sylmar neighborhoods. He worked tirelessly to help start Pacoima Beautiful a non-profit organization that continues to serve the community. In August of 2010, he was recognized by the City of Los Angeles as well as the NAACP for his commitment, dedication and service to the San Fernando Valley. He was recognized for his time actively campaigning for former Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and John F. Kennedy. Raymond was the epitome of a devout Christian and was last a member of Crenshaw Christian Center lead by Rev. Frederick K.C. Price.

Those blessed to know Raymond knew he was devoted as a father and to his family and friends. He loved to travel to the black beaches of Hawaii, read the newspaper, watch old cowboy movies, and to tell stories of his time in the military.

Mr. Raymond Jackson is preceded in death by his wife Wylma Jackson, mother Maggie Woods, father Frederick Jackson and brother Willie Fred Jackson.

Mr. Raymond Jackson is survived by his daughters Marlene Jackson, Jenna (Ronald) Rushing and La Tina Jackson; his lifetime partner Belen Marco; his siblings Christine Davis, Merian Gibson, Thomas (Patricia) Jackson, Anthony Jackson, and Clarese Jackson; his grandchildren, LaNika, Sharmanae, Chaz, Breginae (Kenneth), Minnette (Rickita), Ashton, Jerron, Kaylon, and Avrie; his great-grandchildren Parris, Mykel, Kerron, Ty’Nayyah, Trinity, Haley, Jelani, Aniyah, Antoine, and Anthony; and a host of beloved family cousins, aunts, uncles and close loving friends and colleagues.

Pallbearers will be La Tina, LaNika, Ashton, Sharmanae, Jerron, and Breginae.

As an expression of sympathy flowers may be sent to Eternal Valley Memorial Park, C/O Raymond Jackson, 23287 North Sierra Highway, Newhall, CA 91321. In lieu of flowers donations can also be made in memory of Raymond Jackson to NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Memorial contributions may also be made to the Jackson family and sent to 16625 Liggett Street, North Hills, CA 91343.

The family of Mr. Raymond Jackson wishes to extend our sincere thanks to John Marcus Canoza, Esty Buenaventura, Silvia Moreira and Marco Esteban for their continuous care and support that allowed our father to remain in his home for the entirety of his life. He would not have wanted it any other way. You are all truly angels in your own right.

It was an honor to have walked with him and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all that knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00p.m., Monday, January 17, 2022 at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, with the Minister Josh Berg of the Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church officiating. Burial will follow.