Henry A. Jackson

Henry Adolphus Jackson, of Springfield, Massachusetts, departed this life on Monday, June 28, 2021, at Careone at Redstone in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts.

He was born on May 24, 1929, in Sion Hill, on the island of St. Vincent in the West Indies. His mother was May Charles and his father was John Jackson. His siblings were Cecily Bucchan, Sylvester Myers, Mathias Jackson, Estina Deshong, Clayman Charles, and Jean Daley, all now deceased.

Henry attended school until the third grade when he left school to help care for his family. In 1955, at the age of 26, Henry emigrated to the U.S. He eventually settled in Springfield, Massachusetts. When he arrived in the U.S., Henry worked on fruit farms in Florida before moving to Connecticut to work on tobacco farms. Henry was a hardworking man; he worked at Culbro Tobacco Company for over 25 years and worked his way up to the position of foreman. He also worked at Robbins Beauty Supply and USave Car Rental for many years. Henry enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid gardener — he grew vegetables and especially flowers, beautiful tulips and roses. He was an excellent cook who loved to barbecue and prepared traditional West Indian dishes for his friends and family. He was good with his hands, and liked to tinker, build, and fix things. And he loved to watch wrestling matches on TV.
Henry was a kind and generous spirit who made friends wherever he went. Most importantly, Henry lived for and loved his home and his family. He was a loving husband to his wife, Evelyn Jackson, now deceased. He was a strong parent, caring protector, and consistent provider. Henry was grateful that he came to this country with very little and built a life and a family. This is the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

Henry is survived by his children, Anne Dixson (and Harold) of Springfield, Massachusetts, Joy Childs of Fredericksburg, Virginia, David A. Jackson of Springfield, and Mark Jackson of Canada. He is also survived by his grandchildren, NeKeisha O’Connor of Springfield, Dimitra Chatman of Northhampton, Massachusetts, Shannon Childs of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Cameryn Childs of Norfolk, Virginia, as well as seven great-grandchildren, Ayshia B. Gollman, Caianne A. Cayode, Anaia A. Cayode, Jaylen M. Childs, Jazmine J. Childs, Brooke-Lynn A. Willis, and Zane Childs-David. He was loved and cherished by a host of nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

The family would like to express a special thank you to NeKeisha O’Connor and Ayshia Gollman for their tireless effort as caregivers during his final years. And a sincere thank you to everyone who lent support, encouragement, and blessings to his life and memory.

The calling hour is 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, at Harrell Funeral Home, followed by funeral services at 11, with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Henry A. Jackson, please visit our floral store.