John Henry Jackson, retired truck, bus driver
God called John Henry Jackson from his earthly home to his eternal resting place Tuesday, June 13, 2017.
John was born Nov. 4, 1933, in Laurel. He was the son of Ida Jackson and Harley Hickman. He was a native of Laurel until he moved to Millsboro in 1960. Later he relocated to Ocean View in 2004.
John attended Dunbar High School in Laurel. He later joined the U.S. Army where he served as Specialist Third Class CE and received his honorable discharge in 1957. Upon his return to Delaware he began to work for Townsends Poultry in Millsboro for 17 years. Later John AKA "Johnny," known by his family and friends, was recommended by Townsends Inc. for the instructor at the new Truck Driver Training Program at Delaware Technical College in Georgetown. He also served as a department chair during his 22 years of service before retiring. However, he didn't stop there as driving big rigs was in his blood; he went to work for Jor-Lin Tour & Charter company for eight years. Later he retired from long-distance trips to go to work for the City of Ocean City, Md., as the beach bus driver for three years before he decided to finally retire and enjoy time with his loving wife Doris.
Johnny loved attending church and loved God. He attended Union Wesley United Methodist Church in Clarksville. He attended various events and loved when it was time for camp whether it was at Union Wesley or Frankford camp. He also enjoyed socializing with others. His favorite words of recognition were "hey, Chief” or “what's happening, Chief."
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, his sister, Helen Elizabeth Jackson; brother Wesley "Yoc" Jackson; and a very special aunt, Mary Jackson; and extended family member Mr. Dennis J. Hockaday.
Johnny will be lovingly remembered by: his wife, Doris; his daughters Darlene (Rick) Showell of Millsboro, and Debbie (Darrell) Melvin of Georgetown; and a son Andre (Earlene) Worrell of Ocean View; a special niece that he raised, Lynda (Michael) Dunlap of Dover; an adopted great-niece, Jean (Leroy) Jackson of Salisbury, Md.; and three special nieces, Barbara Dobson of Washington, Dorothy Marie Palmer of Virginia Beach, Va., and Roberta Travis of Arlington, Va.; two special nephews, Charles and Jerome (Cynthia) Jackson of Philadelphia, Pa.; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Mary Ellen Diggs of Ocean View and Maria Perkins of Dagsboro; and a brother-in-law Ricky Bolling of Dagsboro; also a loving caregiver, Carolyn Davis of Ellendale; and special friends, James Williams of Ellendale, and Harvey and Betty Smith of Berlin, Md.; and a host of other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
A viewing and visitation will be held Thursday, June 22, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Mt. Zion AME Church, 18211 Beach Hwy, Ellendale. Services on Friday, June 23, will also be at Mt. Zion AME Church, include a viewing from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by the Celebration of Life service at noon. Interment with military honors will be Monday, June 26, at 2 p.m., at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Georgetown.
Electronic Condolences may be made via www.watsonfh.com.
