Learnell Jackson

Learnell “Ned” Jackson was born on December 13, 1960, in Church Hill, Mississippi, to the late Richard Jackson, Sr., and Ercelia Woods. He was the oldest of five children. He accepted Christ and was baptized as a teenager at Greater Star M.B. Church in Chicago, Illinois, under the leadership of the late Pastor Londell Sanders.

Ned attended grammar school in Fayette, Mississippi, before moving with his parents and sister, Bertha, to Chicago in the early 1970s. He continued his education in Chicago and attended Manley High School. He later worked in various jobs throughout his life.

But to know Ned was to know so much more than the places he lived or the jobs he held. Ned was a loving father, grandfather, bonus dad, brother, and friend. He was a genuinely kindhearted person who had a way of making people feel special.

Ned was known for his love of animals and his incredible sense of humor. He always seemed to have a crazy story ready to tell. One of his favorite stories was that he had been kicked in the head by a mule when he was a little boy. He would jokingly tell anyone who would listen that this was the reason he was so crazy.

Ned was also one of the most giving people you could meet. His kindness was not measured by how much he had, but by how willing he was to share what he had. He loved his family deeply and often spoke proudly about his children and grandchildren.

He was a proud grandfather who showed up for the people he loved. He attended his grandchildren’s graduations, celebrated their accomplishments, and supported them every step of the way. Their achievements were a source of great pride and happiness for him.

Ned also had a special way of reconnecting with people. He had a way of keeping connections alive and reminding people that they were not forgotten.

His kindness, sense of humor, crazy stories, unexpected visits, and unconditional love will be deeply missed. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, the laughter he created, the lives he touched, the memories he made, and the love he gave will remain with us forever.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ercelia Adams; his father, Richard Jackson, Sr.; and his three brothers, Richard Jr., Terrel, and Keith.

Ned leaves to cherish his memory his children: Bresha Hayes, Mary Ann James, Ashley Brown-Price (Tee Price), Learnell Brown, and Monica Hicks; one sister, Bertha Frazier (Rev. James Frazier); 10 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren; a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

His love extended beyond titles and biology. If he considered you family, you were family.

Learnell “Ned” Jackson will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but also for the joy he brought into the lives of others.

Rest peacefully, Ned. Your stories, your laughter, your generosity, and your love will live on through us.

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