William E. Jackson Sr's Obituary
EMMANUEL JACKSON, SR., beloved husband of Brenda C. Jackson, together symbolized
their dedication to Jehovah God on July 29, 1996. Th ey were drawn to the faith by the study of God’s
Word and the example shown in the lives of Williams’ brother, Victor Jackson and his family. He
served together in the ministry with his wife in the Lincoln, Claremont and most recently South
Berkeley congregations. He cherished the hope of the resurrection and everlasting life on paradise
earth.
William, aff ectionately known to family as “Willie” to others as “Bill”, was the fourth of six children
born to Leonidas and Mable Jackson, on January 2, 1931 in Leesville, Louisiana. He was part of
America’s “Great Migration of African Americans” from the South to the North and West seeking
greater economic opportunities. At the age of six, William together with his family made their exodus
from Louisiana to Berkeley California. He attended Berkeley Public Schools and later transferred
to Oakland Technical High School to be near the family business. It was pretty much common
knowledge that William had an “entrepreneurial spirit” from a young age that had been fostered
from a strong historical and entrepreneurial legacy, beginning with his grandfather after whom he
was named. His father Leonidas, and uncles were all business owners. It was in this atmosphere that
William honed his business skills and was determined to “give” rather than “get a job.” William literally
spent his life working alongside his father and mother in the family business that was established
in Oakland in 1937 as “Lee’s Auto Laundry.” Th is third generation business has been an integral
part of the automotive landscape serving the Oakland community for over seventy years. Lee’s Auto
Laundry was a premier detailing center that William led to its pinnacle when the “Training Center”
was launched in the 1970’s. Th e center was dedicated to motivate young people to become selfemployed.
Always looking to keep the business relevant, he was working to revamp and relocate the
establishment.
William was an avid tennis player. He was a legend at the San Pablo Park Tennis Courts located at
in Berkeley. He formed the fi rst Tennis Club at that site, played tennis and organized tournaments
all over the State of California. William served as a Commissioner for the Parks and Recreation
Department in the City of Berkeley for many years.
Among his passions were his ministry, researching and sharing local history and exploring the world
through travel with his wife.
Along with his devoted wife Brenda, of twenty years, William leaves to mourn children, Debra
Schafer (Seattle, WA), Judy Jackson (Yuba City, CA), William Jackson Jr. (Richmond, CA), Michael
Jackson (Hayward, CA), Philip Jackson (Sacramento, CA), Nicole Jackson (Oakland, CA), Daijunia
Jackson (Merced, CA) and Brejanae Jackson (Berkeley, CA). In addition he is survived by sister,
Arnetta Bartlow (Fairfi eld, CA) and brother, Victor Jackson (Hayward, CA), thirteen grandchildren
and seventeen great-grandchildren, Great-Aunt, Clara Jackson (Oakland, CA) and a host of nieces,
nephews, cousins and a loving and supportive spiritual family. William loved his family and dedicated
his life to supporting them in their life endeavors.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?