"Things are precious for people that prize them….." We are devastated to have announce the passing of a wonderful teacher, a beloved father, and adoring husband, Bernard Jackson.  He earned his wings 12/26/2023, surrounded by his family after a fierce battle with lung cancer.

Bernard was born in Houston and started life off battling illness as a child.  He ultimately flourished under his dearly loved grandmother's care and grew up in east downtown, attending the University Of Houston and graduating with his Masters Degree in English.  He met his future wife Cynthia at a party he crashed and eloped 5 short months later.  He became a published author and taught at Milby High School for 40 plus years where he is still highly regarded.  Officially retiring three years ago, Bernard went on to substitute teach at various High Schools in the area including Dickinson, Pasadena, and South Houston.  Teaching was truly his calling, and the world lost an extraordinary teacher yesterday.

Bernard enjoyed surprising others with his linguistic skills, speaking French to his nurses, and Spanish to his students in his English classes, as well as teaching German.  He coached the Milby High School Girls Soccer Program for several years when they were without a coach.  Additionally, he coached several youth baseball and soccer teams in the South Belt area, always stepping up and volunteering when there was a need.  He was a wonderful family man, spinning great tall tales with his grandson Dominick, enjoyed long history talks with his grandson Donovan, played for hours on the floor with his grandson Dylan, and simply adored the infectious giggles of his granddaughter Tess. He treasured his wife Cynthia and routinely drove her crazy with his absent-mindedness professor-ness. Always leaving books and journals about, and it something we will truly miss them bickering about. He loved his "puppies" and spoiling them with affection and treats.

He is grieved by his wife of 51 years, Cynthia Jackson, children Adam and Sammie Jackson, grandsons Donovan, Dominick, and Dylan Balderas, and granddaughter Tess Jackson, along with his brother Jessie Jackson, Felix Jackson, and sister Delores Aasen, as well as extended family and friends.

There will not be a funeral, as that is not what he wanted, and he was never one for big to-dos.  As he always said, "Off we go like a heard of turtles…."

The family will have a memorial service at a later date in January. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to Pasadena Animal Shelter.