Deacon Ernest J. Jackson

Statesboro, Georgia Deacon Ernest Jones “Duke” Jackson was born in Screven County, Georgia on August 2, 1935, to Joe and Ella Jackson. He passed away at home on October 9, 2025, surrounded by family. A devoted Christian, Deacon Ernest faithfully served Elm Street Church of God in roles such as Chairman of Deacons, Sunday School Superintendent, and Finance for over 35 years, contributing significantly to church reconstruction with his brother George. Raised with a strong work ethic, Ernest left school early to help his family, later mastering brick masonry and co-founding Jackson Construction Co., becoming one of Bulloch County’s first African American business owners. His craftsmanship earned respect throughout Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. After retirement, he enjoyed fishing and fellowship, remaining active in the Community Brotherhood Fishing Club. Ernest was married to Carrie Lee Smart for 54 years, and together they had five daughters, including Carolyn Clark, who preceded him in death, as did his wife and brother George Willie Jackson, Sr. He is survived by daughters, Cheryl (Joseph) Stephens, Gwen Jackson, Betty (Collins) Lyons, Stacy (Terrance) McGee, and Lakeidra Lee; son-in-law, Bob Clark; grandchildren, Terrell (Latosha) Jackson, Lavena Burke, Tiffany (Deandra) Ward, Erica (Waldo) Lester, Brandon Jackson, Tierra Jackson, Terryn McGee, and Mekhi McGee; great-grandchildren, Bryan Burke Jr., Alivia Grant, Amelia Pace, Carrina Lane, Kalyn Ward, and Aria Lester; sister, Ella Jackson; brothers, William “Bill” Jackson and James (Sheila) Jackson; sisters-in-law Rosa Jackson, Mary Murray, Eloise Childers, Barbara Murray, Emily Taylor, Debra Smart, Diane Smart, Aisha Abdul-Basit; brother-in-law Micheal Smart; step-mother-in-law Reba Smart, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He will be dearly missed, but his loved ones celebrate his faithful life. A public viewing for Deacon Jackson will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Hill’s Mortuary, Inc. Deacon Jackson will lie in state at the church on the day of service from 12 noon until the funeral hour. There will be no viewing after the eulogy. The funeral service for Deacon Ernest Jackson will be held at 1 P.M., Friday, October 17, 2025, at the First Baptist Church 108 N Main St. Statesboro, GA, Dr. John Waters, Pastor the Rev. Dr. Alexander Smith, Jr., officiating. Burial will follow in the Bulloch Memorial Gardens. Service for Deacon Jackson may be viewed via-live stream at our Hill's Mortuary, Inc. Facebook page or C & C Photography Media Production on Youtube. Final rites have been entrusted to Hill’s Mortuary, Inc.

Deacon Ernest J. Jackson

August 2, 1935 - October 9, 2025