Garnet Jackson - Obituary

he Lord quietly and peacefully called home Garnet E. Jackson, also known as “Jack” on Monday, April 22, 2013 after a three week hospital stay. He began his life as the son of the late Rev. Randolph Payton and Sadie Belle Payne Jackson, a Christmas baby, born December 25, 1921, at the Columbia Hospital for Women, in Washington, D.C. He was the third of five children, sister Juanita Hamilton of Washington, DC, and Edith, Nathaniel and Vernell, who preceded him in death. Born and raised a Washingtonian, he attended the District of Columbia Public Schools and graduated from Armstrong Senior High School in 1939. Following his graduation he attended Minor Teachers College before being drafted into the United States Army serving in World War II from February 1943 to October 1945. He was a member of the 37th Special Services Company and received an honorable discharge at the rank of S/Sargent. Upon his return, he continued his studies on a part time basis at Minor Teachers College, and began working as a motion picture projectionist as a member of the Motion Pictures Machine Operators Local Union 224 A. He became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity incorporated at Minor Teachers in 1941. In 1960, he began a 22-year career as a training officer in the Central Intelligence Agency of the Federal Government while maintaining part-time positions as a business agent and projectionists with the theaters in Washington, D.C. He later completed his Bachelors of Science degree from Howard University in 1976. He was baptized at an early age at 19th Street Baptist Church. In 1965, he joined Hughes Memorial United Methodist Church where he served as an usher for several years. He met the love of his life, Dorothy Smith, having their first date on April 19th , 1952. They later married on January 26, 1957. From that union came two daughters, Andrea Denise and Lauren Patrice. Golf was his passion, as he spent countless hours and days on the golf course, traveling on mystery trips up and down the east coast. He loved it and continued to play with the “Monday Morning Group”, a Kappa Alpha Psi golfing group until the early 2000’s. The Langston golf course in Northeast D.C. was his home away from home for many years. “Jack” was an engaging conversationalist, always up for an exchange of ideas or debate. He was very knowledgeable and had an opinion on almost every topic. Spanning from sports, to current events, to politics, you name it; there was always something to say. It could get spirited and a little loud at times but he meant no harm, always ending in a handshake. At times, he would even engage the telemarketers in conversation about why they were calling. Around the house, he loved keeping his lawn manicured, keeping his grass green and weed free, like the golf courses. He made sure we told our friends to stay off the grass. He loved grocery shopping and was known for bringing home the best treats and he went religiously every Saturday. Long after he retired and became under the weather, he still made grocery shopping a priority and he would spend hours at it. He was a meticulous dresser and was exacting about his surroundings. Everything had a particular place and position. He was a wonderful, loving, devoted husband and father and enjoyed spending time with his family. He especially loved his grandchildren, each holding a special place in his heart. Justin Cotten, Andrea’s son, Brannon and Bria Floyd, Lauren’s children, and Aja Jernagin, Lauren’s step-daughter and her baby son Daniel. Known as Jack, Garnet, Daddy, Granddaddy, Uncle Garnet, Uncle Jack, or Mr. Jackson, what ever your name was for him, you always were greeted with a big smile and a word of wisdom or advice. If he detected that you needed it, he always offered words of encouragement and said “Keep your chin up”. He was a modest, proud, and hard-working man, who took pride in his family and his values. He instilled in us his determination to do your best in what ever you set out to do. He was a great role model to us all, with a “never say can’t” motto. He had an artistic side as well, an eye for what looks nice and how to decorate. As music lover, he appreciated a wide range of styles, from Lionel Richie and Luther Vandross, to BB King and Billie Holiday. He loved the jazz greats and has quite a collection as he often spoke of seeing them on “U” street back in the 1950’s. He kept his favorite music in his car and could be found, when the whim hit him, sitting in front of his stereo in the basement, playing what he felt like at the time. He especially loved when he had guest, he would gladly play them a tune or two. We all were blessed that God shared him with us as a part of our lives. He leaves to cherish his memory: wife Dorothy (Dot), two daughters Dr. Andrea D. Jackson, and Mrs. Lauren P. Jernagin, son-in-law Larry Jernagin, four grand children, Aja, Brannon, Bria, and Justin, one great grandchild, Daniel, one surviving sister, Juanita J. Hamilton, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, too many to name. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 from 10 – 11 am followed by a memorial service at 11 am at Hughes Memorial United Methodist Church, 25 53rd Street, N. E., Washington, D.C. 20019, Rev. Mamie Williams officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the charity of one's choice. Please leave your thoughts and memories by signing the guestbook located above.