Albert Jackson

Albert Jackson, 69, of Rock Island, Illinois, succumbed to medical complications on March 22, 2023, surrounded by family. Albert, fondly known as Al, was born to Ruthie Jay Jackson, on March 9, 1954, in Meridian, Mississippi. He was a talented athlete who loved playing football for Whisenton High School in De Kalb, Mississippi. After high school he relocated to Davenport, IA in 1972, where he became a mechanic at Brach’s candy company for 23 years. He met and courted his wife Arletha Farmer in 1984 and later married June 22, 1985. Together they built a loving blended family that was filled with devotion, happiness and laughter that brought fourth four children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

He joined Quad City Freight Services as a semi-truck driver in 2006, after obtaining his CDL from Scott Community College. He retired from Quad City Freight Services in 2016. Retirement did not suit his personality, as he was use to keeping busy. He decided to rejoin the workforce in 2018, as a school bus driver for Johannes Bus Service, Inc. Al was a jack of all trades there was nothing he could not fix or jimmy rig to work. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, nice cars, studying his bible, and spending time with his family and friends. A dedicated Deacon his faith in the Lord was unwavering, which allowed him to teach his children and great-grandchildren God’s scripture.

He loved long walks in the park with his wife, taking his grandchildren fishing and spending time with his great-grandchildren playing peek-a-boo or cops and robbers. Al never met a stranger he did not eventually consider a friend. To say he was a people person would be an understatement, he had the biggest heart anyone could ask for. All it took was one simple phone call to say “Al, I need your help fixing or can you help me with?” Off to his truck he went with his tool box in hand, ready to “fix” whatever needed to be done.

Albert is survived by his wife Arletha “Lisa” Jackson, four children Cris B. Blanch, Angela L. Jackson, Corey L. Jackson, and Veronica S. Blanch. He is also survived by his brother Jerry L. Jackson (Nellie), along with his five grandchildren McKiya Wilson, Crystalnie M. Blanch, Tanisha P. Blanch, Christopher B. Blanch, and Anntonia E. Raya and six great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his grandmother Sadie McWilliams, mother Ruthie Jay Jackson, brother Rudolph Jackson, and sister Anita F. Farmer.

Albert’s family will host a wake on Thursday, March 30, 2023, from 4:00p.m-6:00p.m. at Orr’s Mortuary 1326 4th Avenue Rock Island, IL 61201. The service will be held at New Life Apostolic Church at 218 35th Avenue, East Moline, IL on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 11:00a.m.-12:30p.m. All floral arrangements can be sent to Orr’s Mortuary or donations made online on their website to the Jackson family.

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