Carlene Victoria Jackson

Carlene Victoria Henry Jackson, 90, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026. A devoted wife, loving mother, and decorated United States Deputy Marshal who opened doors for other women of color in federal law enforcement, Carlene will be remembered for the beauty, warmth, grace, and joy she brought to everyone around her.

EARLY LIFE

Born October 24, 1935, in Mitchellville, Maryland, Carlene was the only daughter of Abraham John Henry and Amy Jane Jones Henry. She grew up on the family farm with her three brothers, Wilbert, Willis, and Leon. As the baby sister, she was adored by her brothers and loved getting into mischief with them and their many cousins. Carlene attended Carroll Methodist Church in Mitchellville, where her mother and many relatives worshipped. She went to Tall Oaks and Woodmore Elementary Schools and graduated in 1953 from Fairmount Heights High School, where her classmates affectionately called her "Pee Wee."

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY

After graduation, Carlene worked as a nursing assistant at Crownsville Mental Hospital in Crownsville, Maryland. While working near Fort Meade, she met the love of her life, Clarence Willie Jackson Jr., who was serving in the United States Army. Their love story began by accident. At a base party, Clarence was backing up his Cadillac when Carlene bumped into it. They fell quickly in love and married just two months later, on Christmas Day, 1957. Carlene and Clarence shared more than 68 years of marriage. Together they raised three children and built a family grounded in love, loyalty, laughter, and togetherness.

A TRAILBLAZING CAREER

Carlene had long dreamed of serving in federal law enforcement. In June 1968, she made that dream a reality when she was sworn into the United States Marshals Service as an Administrative and Special Deputy U.S. Marshal. In February 1975, she took the Oath of Office as a United States Deputy Marshal for the District of Columbia. She was the third woman ever to serve in the role, following her dear friend and co-worker Jacqueline Bailey, who was among the first two. Carlene performed court duties, served on the Warrant Squad, and in 1984 became a Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal in the Special Services Division. In 1987, she made history as the first African American woman promoted to an operational supervisory position in the United States Marshals Service. She retired in 1995 after more than 27 years of dedicated service.

THE WOMAN BEYOND THE BADGE

Retirement gave Carlene the chance to embrace life and make memories with Clarence, family, and friends. She especially loved visiting Clarence's hometown of Robstown, Texas, traveling with the Boswells, taking cruises, exploring the East Coast, and cheering on the Washington football team.

Carlene loved to shop and always enjoyed looking her best. She had a natural eye for beauty and fashion and could often be found searching for the perfect outfit or special something to add to her wardrobe. She was known for being dressed to the nines, always polished and stylish, and took great pride in her appearance. Yet, as much as she enjoyed looking beautiful, she was never happier than when her home was full.

She opened her doors for holidays, birthdays, and celebrations, and sometimes simply because she wanted everyone together. She loved to dance and made sure no one stayed seated for long. An excellent cook, she learned from her mother, Amy Jane, how to make the potato salad and fried chicken the family still talks about. Her home was a gathering place filled with food, laughter, and love.

Nothing meant more to Carlene than her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She treasured every milestone and every moment with them. Her generosity and gift for making everyone feel welcome have become part of the family's traditions and will be carried on for generations.

FAMILY AND LEGACY

Carlene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clarence Willie Jackson Jr.; her brothers, Wilbert, Willis, and Leon Henry; and her granddaughter, Courtney Henry. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Joseph Edward Henry (Laverne) of Bowie, Maryland; Maria Yvette Young (Walter) of Beltsville, Maryland; and Clarence Willie "Rocky" Jackson III (Sheila) of Capitol Heights, Maryland. She also leaves seven grandchildren: Doelice (Brandon) Champion, Theresa (Randy) Tracey, Rannieta (Joey) Torres, Sean Young, Brian (Danielle) Young, Joseph Henry Jr., and Lawren Henry. Her other survivors include nine great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Gloria Henry; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Carlene held her special cousins, Elmer “Buddy” Brown and Charlie Branford, close to her heart. She also leaves to cherish her memory beloved friends Bettie Bryant, Shelley Boswell, Robert and Valerie Mallett, Herbert Richardson, and many other dear friends whose love and friendship enriched her life. She will also be lovingly remembered by Priscilla Croomer, Keith Feggan, Carol Scarver, Reginald and Leona Floyd, Gerald and Martina Jones, Mark and Wanda Walters, and Charlotte Morgan, all of whom affectionately called her “Mom.”

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew her.