Clarence William Jackson, Sr.

Clarence William Jackson, Sr., was born in Potomac, Maryland, to   Alphonzo O. and  Martha L. Jackson. He was educated

in the segregated schools of Montgomery County. Clarence attended Lincoln Junior Senior High School, where he met the love of his life Helen E. Thompson.

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On December 24, 1948, Clarence married his true love, Helen or "Hon", as he affectionately called her. From this union, they were blessed with three children,

Clarence Jr., Robin, and Tracey. Clarence and Helen had a special love for each other lasting the entire 69 years of their marriage. His doting devotion to Helen showed as he took on the role as her caregiver.

In 1948, he started working for the Federal Government, as a Lab Technician, with the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Clarence loved his job at NIH so much that he worked for almost 63 years. In January of 2010, Clarence retired from the Federal Government, but continued to work part-time   for the Federal Government as a contract employee. Clarence was very dedicated to his to job. His decision to retire was not easy.  He loved working at NIH and enjoyed the working relationships he developed over the years.

A passionate family man, Clarence enjoyed spending quality time with his family. The family trips to Ocean City, Maryland were the highlight to his summers. He and Helen would travel to the beach every July, until the trips became too difficult for the both of them to travel. He enjoyed attending holiday dinners, cookouts and gatherings with family and friends.

Clarence took pride in being known as one of the "Originals" in the Seneca Gospel Chorus. He and his siblings, "The Originals", began singing and praising the Lord and traveling with the choir for many years throughout the Washington Metropolitan area. Clarence expressed deep gratitude when he received his award for the chorus' 70th Anniversary this past May.

Clarence had a great personality and a smile that would light up   a room. When he greeted you with that smile and gentle spirit of his, it would make you feel like you were truly someone special. He had the most unique laugh that would make you laugh, just by hearing it.

He enjoyed sports, especially football and baseball. Clarence was an a, d fan of the Washington Redskins. Win or lose, he supported his team proudly as their number one fan. He also enjoyed watching his favorite baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles. He shared the love of baseball, with his mother. They would watch baseball games during his visits or chat on the phone while watching a baseball game on television.

Clarence leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife, Helen E. Jackson; his two daughters, Robin L. Jackson, and Tracey A. Smith; a devoted son-in-law, George R. Smith, Sr.; four grandchildren, Kimberly R. Branch (Adrian, Sr.), Kevin C. Jackson (Letta), Angela M. Smith, and George R. Smith, Jr.; five great-grandchildren; Adrian Jr., Kylie, and Kori Branch, Tavion Williams, and Jordyn Jeter; three sisters, Ethel Wilson, Alberta Johnson and Mary Alice Young; one brother, Benjamin Jackson; one sister-in-law, Evelyn Jackson; one god-daughter, Lisa Hall; one aunt, Lucille McDonald, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alphonzo and Martha Jackson, son Clarence W. Jackson Jr., and brother Alphonzo Jackson.

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