Harry S. Jackson

Harry S. Jackson, 83, of Oak Park, MI passed away September 29, 2022.

Harry Sessor Jackson was born in the family house in Selma, AL, Dallas County, on May 7, 1939. He is number 12 of the children born to the late Peter and Hattie Jackson. Four brothers and four sisters transitioned before him: Andrew, Thomas, James, Charles, Lillie, Edna, Ruth and Pearl.

As a babe, he never crawled, he just got up and started walking. As child, he was very kind and never complained. His sister Pearl said he was a peacemaker. Harry tagged along with some of his older siblings to school. That made Harry very smart. He attended Society Hall Elementary where he was double promoted. As a young boy, Harry was a guide for his older sister Fannie who is visually impaired, and he assisted her with learning braille. Being the youngest of the Jackson clan he held dear the special times he had with his Parents. The older he got, the smarter his parents became to him.

At the age of 13, he moved up North to Detroit after his mother transitioned and lived with his brother James, James’ wife Christine and their children James Jr. and Jerry. Determined to help his brother as much as he could, he landed his 1st job at the neighborhood grocery store. At that time, Harry attended Sherrod Junior High School where he met a life long friend Hosea Murphy.  From there he went on to Northern High School and graduated in 1956.

Growing up in Motown, Harry and a few friends started the MotorCity Crystals singing group in which Harry was the lead singer. They held concerts at the Fox theater and headlined concerts at the State Fair for 2 years. Harry was also an avid bowler and participated in a bowling league with his lifelong friend Clifford Crane.

Harry met and married the late Dorothy Juanita Williams. To their union was born 3 children.

Harry held several jobs in his lifetime. He began working for the City of Detroit in Social Services then at the water department. He worked in the factory at Chrysler and at Kelsey Hayes for many years.  Along the way, Harry met Sharon Shreve and to this relationship, 3 children arrived. After retiring from Kelsey Hayes, he enjoyed driving the shuttle buses for Enterprise and MotorCity Casino.

If you asked Harry how he was feeling, he’d say “I feel with his hands”, or maybe “fair to midland”. Other sayings of his were: “Head ‘em up, let’s move ‘em out” and “Come on in, the water is fine”. You knew you could depend on Harry to do something for you “if God was willing and if the creek didn’t rise”. Harry always said his ministry was in the streets. He never met a stranger. Everyone that knew him would agree that he was warm, charming, personable, engaging and well spoken. Most people knew him as Uncle Harry, Harry O, Santa Claus and Papa J. He often said when I meet my creator I would tell him, “I knew I was loved”.

Later in his life, he met Edith Steanhouse, who became his life partner until her transition.

Harry first gave his life to the Lord in a corn field on the family farm. He later rededicated his life to the Lord at Word of Faith Christian Center.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Harry Jackson, Corey Jackson (Monica), Tracey (Kemi) Jackson, Darryl Shreve, Donnell Shreve (Karen), Abondi Thorpe (Mister); his grandchildren: Jamin Jackson Brasongre, Brandy Jackson, LaTisha Jackson, Alicia Jackson, Darryl Wallace, De’Edric Shreve, Pamela Shreve, Shari Wilson, Donnisha Shreve, Donnell Shreve Jr., Malik Thorpe, Kahleed Thorpe and Kalib Thorpe; 13 great-grandchildren; his partner Edith Steanhouse’s children, 7 bonus daughters; 3 siblings: Fannie Jackson, Rev. Cleophas Jackson Sr., Mother Hattie Hall (Bishop William); his lifelong friends Clifford Crane, Ray Belton, Flora Rhodes, Sharon Shreve and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.