Official Obituary of
Carolyn Rebecca Jackson
October 17, 1941 ~ October 18, 2024 (age 83) 83 Years Old
Carolyn Jackson Obituary
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Carolyn Rebecca Jackson, 83 was called home on Thursday, October 18, 2024 from her home in Staten Island, NY.
Her story as written in her own hand on January 18, 2009.
Carolyn was born on October 17, 1941 in Baltimore, Maryland to Catherine Dudley. As a child she moved to Staten Island, New York where she was raised by her mother Catherine and William Bethea in New Brighton for most of her younger days. Her later years were spent in West Brighton for more than 50 years until her passing.
Carolyn attended P.S. 17 where she graduated 8th grade and then went on to McKee High School where she graduated with commercial honors. She went on to attend Staten Island Community College for 2 years.
Carolyn began her employment career soon after, taking a position with American Telephone & Telegraph (ATT) in Manhattan where she worked for 10 years.
In 1963, Carolyn wed Clinton Jackson whom she met while attending McKee High School. To this loving union, they added four children Tanya, Troy, Curtis and Keith. In the early 1980’s while rearing her family Carolyn decided to explore career options and took the path to a position in Child Care with the Administration for Children’s Services where she loved leading and guiding troubled young children and teenagers. She retired in 2003, due to injury.
During the latter part of the 1960’s Carolyn was a lead singer in the singing group the Stradford Singers and recorded songs on Motown Records such as “One More Day” and “Lord Don’t Move this Mountain”.
Carolyn alongside her mother Catherine Bethea worked in setting up the first Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation on Staten Island.
Carolyn also explored a voluntary vocation in preparing the deceased for viewing at Stradford Funeral Home – Shawn Stradford for over 20 years. Her dedication and talent were reflected in her compassionate nature and attention to detail. She provided comfort to grieving families during a sensitive time and brought a sense of dignity and peace to the deceased, allowing families to cherish their memories.
Carolyn gave her life to Christ as a young child, she worshipped at several churches on Staten Island, and for many years at Full Gospel Tabernacle, West Brighton with her mother Catherine. At the time of her passing, she was a proud and active member and deeply involved in her church Pentecostal Faith Church of God, Inc, Staten Island, presiding as Church Mother and faithful parishioner under Pastor Marilyn C. Landry. It is here at church that she loved, supported and mentored “her” children Marcus, Maia, Destiny, Keji, Jacob and Anthony. She recently learned how to use Zoom so she could attend services virtually from home and the hospital so as not to miss anything. Carolyn was also a long-time supporting member and prayer warrior of Rhema Prayer Ministries, Staten Island – Rev. Yvonne Stradford and Rev. Yvonne Stradford.
She loved singing, writing letters, sending cards, reading her bible, cooking big dinners for her family, - her specialty if asked was everything, she also loved traveling, shopping at Nordstrom and Bloomingdales, collecting pins, brooches and fine tailored clothing. Most of all she loved having all her children, grand and great grandchildren around her. Her family and friends will remember her as God fearing, kind, generous, intelligent, funny, politically savvy, woman. She was known by several names and answered loving to each when called: Mrs. Jackson, Carolyn, CJ, Rebecca (when she was being mischievous), Mom, Ma, G, Ram, Grandma, Mother Jackson and most important to her Child of God.
Carolyn leaves to celebrate her life, her children Troy, Tanya, Curtis, and Keith Jackson; Grandchildren Aaron Jackson, Dante Vinzant, Curtis Jackson Jr, Stephanie Jackson, Mekhi Jackson, Anandii Jackson, Kenaysha Jackson, Kashayla Jackson, Taylor Jackson. Kimberly, Catherine and Carlos Maldonado; great grandchildren Caynece Jackson, Jasiyah Jackson. Aunt and best friend Rev. Yvonne Stradford and her favorite Uncle Rudolph Stradford, sisters Patricia Dallas and Willie Joyce Clarke and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church family.
Carolyn was predeceased by her beloved parents Catherine Bethea and William Bethea. She was also predeceased by her husband Clinton L. Jackson and great grandson Gavin Jackson (Aaron).
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn Rebecca Jackson, please visit our floral store.
Services
Visitation
ThursdayOctober 24, 2024
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
First Central Baptist Church
117 Wright Street
Staten Island, NY 10304
Funeral Service
ThursdayOctober 24, 2024
6:00 PM
First Central Baptist Church
117 Wright Street
Staten Island, NY 10304
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