Bernard Jackson

Obituary For Bernard Jackson

Bernard Jackson, age 79, entered eternal rest on June 23, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, dedication, and love that will forever be remembered by all who knew him. Born on October 5, 1946, to the union of McCalter Jackson Sr. and Mary Alice Grace in Youngstown, Ohio, Bernard graduated from Chaney High School in 1966.

Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he honorably served during the Vietnam War and attained the rank of Sergeant (E-5). His military service reflected the courage, discipline, and commitment that characterized his entire life.

During the Vietnam War, Bernard proudly served in the United States Army as part of a Graves Registration Unit, where he carried out the solemn responsibility of recovering and preparing fallen service members for their final resting place. That profound experience instilled in him a deep respect for honoring the deceased with dignity and compassion, ultimately inspiring him to pursue a degree from the Pittsburgh School of Mortuary Science, which he proudly earned in 1990. From his professional services rendered at F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home and J.E. Washington Funeral Home, he approached every position with excellence, humility, and integrity.

His commitment to service extended beyond his profession, as he faithfully served Gethsemane Baptist Church as Trustee for 48 years under the leadership of the late Reverend James Mass.

Bernard’s career reflected the same steadfast character that defined every area of his life. From the hard work of Brier Hill Sheet and Tube Steel Mill to his compassionate service at He later continued his career at American Way Manufacturing, where his dependability and strong work ethic earned the respect of those around him until his retirement.

Bernard was respected for his integrity, admired for his perseverance, and loved for his quiet strength, dependable spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family. He also enjoyed cheering on his beloved Cleveland Browns and remained a loyal fan through every season.

Bernard leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Denise Parnell Jackson; his children, Tracy Lewis (Reginald), Dewayne Thomas, Vicky Hightower, Lu Shara Carter (Jolena), Dana Parnell (Shinar), Rachel Lively, Lacie Parnell, Erinn Wooten (Kenneth), Angel Napoli (Steven), and Braylon Hudson (Ruth); his loving sisters, Lovie Brown and Brenda Kimble (Malcolm); along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will continue to honor his life and legacy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons Marvin Thomas, Thomas Parnell; brothers, Reverend McCalter Jackson Jr, Ivan Jackson; and granddaughter, Jasmine Thomas. Though he has departed from this earthly life, the impact Bernard made through his life will live on in the hearts of all whose lives he touched.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bernard’s life on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Abundant Grace Church, 1623 West Park Ave. Niles, OH with calling hours at 10:00 and the funeral services to follow 11:00 AM with Pastor Tony Lehman presiding. On behalf of a grateful nation for his service to this country, Bernard will be formally laid to rest with military honors at the Ohio Western Reserve Cemetery.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Bernard Jackson elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.

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