PLACE OF SERVICE: McAdams Gymnasium, McAdams, MS

DATE OF SERVICE: Saturday, 10/08/2022 @ 11:00 a.m.

INTERMENT: Parkway Cemetery, Kosciusko, MS

VISITATION: Friday, 10/07/2022@ 9:00a.m.- 6:OO P.M.

Wilson Jackson was born June 12, 1941, to the late Leroy and Pearl L. Wilson Jackson. He was the sixth child of twelve born to this union. The Lord called Wilson home on September 29, 2022, at his home with his wife Brenda and Shonda Cleveland, by his side.

Wilson accepted Christ as his savior at the age of 13 and joined Independence Tyro Baptist Church under the pastorship of Rev. J.R. Richardson. After moving to Kosciusko, MS, he joined the Christian Liberty M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. R. B. Harris. He served the church as a deacon and a member of the Building Committee for many years, remaining a faithful church member until his death.

Wilson's education began at Pilgrim Rest in Tate County, MS. He continued his education at Freedonia High School, earning his high school diploma in 1962 from the Tate County Colored High School in Coldwater, MS. Following high school graduation, Wilson attended Coahoma Junior College for two years and subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Science and Physical Education in 1966 from Mississippi Valley State College in Itta Bena, MS. Wilson met the love of his life, Brenda Joyce Spates, in 1969 and the two joined in holy matrimony on November 26, 1970. Two sons, Chadwick Demond (deceased) and Wilson Coryell Spates - were born to their union.

Wilson's passion for education and for making a positive impact upon young people motivated him to go beyond what was required of him. Concerned that there was no outlet for African American students who wanted to play football, he started the first high school football team at Long Creek Elementary School. He worked in the Attala County School District as a science, driver's education, and physical education teacher; as well as a coach, assistant principal, and athletic director in the district for over 40 years - positively impacting more young people. Also a former assistant principal in the district, Wilson was a member of the Attala County School District school board until his death. His career as a coach was marked by success, with his teams winning several district championships and two state championships for the BB division of high school basketball. While these accomplishments were impressive, Wilson's greatest joy was the opportunity to coach his son Coryell. Being able to witness his oldest son, Chad, succeed him as basketball coach at McAdams High School was exhilarating. Chad's team winning a state championship was "icing on the cake." Wilson's grandson, Kyesun, begin his coaching career, and his great-granddaughter started "coaching" off the court. Wilson accomplished what he set out to do: make a positive impact upon young people. He did it well.

Wilson leaves a wonderful legacy that will be cherished by many, including his loving and devoted wife of almost 51 years, Brenda Joyce Spates Jackson; his son Wilson Coryell Spates; his grandson Kyesun (Mariah) Jackson; great granddaughter, Kaliyah Grace; Shonda Cleveland, fondly called his "daughter-in-law"; and, his adopted granddaughters, Makayla Jones and Kristen Winters. His memory also will be cherished by other family, including two sisters, Earlean J. McCormick of Senatobia, MS and Rosie J. Smith of Memphis, TN; two brothers: J.A. (Effie) Jackson of Senatobia, MS and Robert (Mary Frances) Jackson of Holly Springs, MS; seven sisters-in-law: Iwanette Fitz of Dallas, TX; Etoy Spates and Sonja Spates of Sumrall, MS; and, Rosa Thompson of Columbia, MS; Francis Spates, Doris Spates, Rosemary Spates, of Los Angles, CA; and two brothers-in-law: James Means of Southaven, MS; and Ollie (Vera) Wilbert Spates Jr. of Rosamond, CA.

Wilson is preceded in death by siblings including three sisters: Vernice (Chester) Brooks, Huldia J. Boyd, and Ruby J. Means; two brothers: Jesse L. Jackson (Bernice) and Leroy Jackson, Jr.; and, sisters Robin Mae and Annie Pearl Jackson. He was also preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Ivy (Dan) Brown, and nine brothers-in-law, Willie Earl Spates, Wendall Spates, Robert Spates, Laris Spates, Leroy Spates, Jr., Bobbie Thompson, Joe Fitz, and Robert Earl Smith.

He will be dearly missed by 16 nieces, 16 nephews, (one niece Yoichi and one nephew Darry1 preceded him in death); a host of cousins, friends, and an unknown number of former basketball players.