Mr. Samuel Leon Jackson

Obituary For Mr. Samuel Leon Jackson

Samuel Leon Jackson, age 86, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025. Sam was born in Montgomery, Alabama on May 13, 1939, to the late Martha Williams. He was a good man who lived a life marked by a strong work ethic, a heart full of love, and devotion to his family, faith and friends.

Sam attended Booker T. Washington Elementary and High School and graduated in 1956. He pursued further study at Alabama State College where he majored in mathematics with a minor in science. Sam graduated from Alabama State in 1962 and pursued a Master’s degree, also at Alabama State, graduating in 1963.

Sam launched his teaching career in Sumter County before returning to Montgomery to teach mathematics at Houston Hill and Floyd Junior High Schools and then Lee High School. Sam was known to be an excellent and passionate teacher who made the complex concepts of math simple and easy to understand. Sam spent the latter part of his career, 24 years, at Trenholm Technical College where he taught math to students learning trades.

Sam met the love of his life, Kathy Diane Dunn, through his fraternity brother and Kathy’s father, C.J. Dunn. The couple married on Kathy’s birthday, August 3, 1968, and were married for over 56 years. To this union, two children were born, Erika Nicole and Brandon Todd. Sam was a devoted and loving husband and father who cherished his family.

Sam believed in God and gave Him all of the honor, glory and praise. He joined Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church when he was 12 years old and served faithfully until his death. He was a 50 + year Deacon and a Trustee. He served as President of Usher Board #2 for 50 years. He sang in the Male Chorus, often as a soloist, and served as Building Fund Secretary and on the Hutchinson Church Foundation.

Sam pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Upsilon Chapter (ASU) in 1959. Upon graduation, Sam joined the graduate chapter, Alpha Upsilon Lambda and remained active in the fraternity for over 60 years. He held several offices through the years, including serving as President in 1977-79.

Sam was predeceased by his devoted wife who departed this earth a mere two months before him. Their family rejoices in knowing that this loving couple have been reunited in their heavenly home. Sam was also predeceased by his mother Martha Williams, his brothers Reginald “Jerome” Williams, Michael Williams, and Alfred Dinkins. Sam’s legacy is treasured and will be honored by his children, Erika (Elijah) Gardner and Brandon (Felisa) Jackson as well as his grandchildren, Morgan Fowler, Erinn and Elana Gardner, Braden and Brooke Jackson and great-granddaughter, Kasiah Thomas. He also leaves to cherish his memory his sisters, Annette Jackson, Mary Edna (Lee) Bowman, and Diane Williams, cousin Doris (Bill) Dickens, a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, countless friends, fraternity brothers and church members.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Hutchison Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, August 23 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alabama State University Foundation in memory of Samuel L. Jackson at Alabama State University Trust for Educational Excellence Office of Development, P.O. Box 1046, Montgomery, AL 36101 or https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/ZUuSBg?vid=1kz7kh