MARVIN RAY JACKSON 12/04/61 – 1/17/23
If big things come in small packages, the small 6lb. 8oz baby boy born to Carl Roosevelt Jackson, Jr. and Oristene Brooks Jackson was definitely worth his weight in gold. Marvin Ray, born December 4, 1961, in Mansfield, Louisiana was the middle child of three and the only son of his parents.
Marvin accepted Christ as his Savior as a young child at the Shady Grove United Methodist Church where he was reared and nurtured. As he grew in years, he developed his faith and a call to service. He discovered his vocal talent as a youth in the Youth Choir. He later became the choir director, a calling that lasted a lifetime. He also became the financial secretary and bookkeeper. Through his hard work and penchant for excellence, he served God by being faithful, committed and dedicated to his work in the kingdom. His voice still reverberates in the lofts of many area churches, businesses, and centers of community events.
He shared his musical talents throughout the community as a lead vocalist and soloist for countless weddings and worship events and as a member of the renown Mansfield Angelic Chorus (MAC). One of Marvin’s favorite times of the year was Christmas. The Shady Grove Christmas Tea was truly blessed by Marvin’s creative expressions of song, beautiful décor and inspirational storytelling.
Marvin excelled in his educational endeavors. Educated in the DeSoto Parish School System and a proud alumnus of Johnson Elementary, DeSoto Junior High and DeSoto High School Class of 1979. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Wiley College, Marshall, Texas and entered into business and finance as a lifelong
A leader in every way, Marvin held management and administrative positions at Revco Drug Store, Carter Federal Credit Union, and Sabine State Bank. He was the dedicated City Clerk for the City of Mansfield until his passing. He lent his expertise and contributed immensely to the operation of the city he called home.
In his service to his church and workplace, Marvin earned great respect and recognition. If he was asked and able to accept and complete a task, he gave his best; he gave his all.
Marvin’s love for his friends and family was genuine and ran deep. Marvin wrote in a recent text message, “At the end of the day, family is what matters most.” Today is no different. In his memory, let us reflect on his words and cherish his memory. In sadness we honor his life, in thankfulness and gratitude, we thank God that Marvin was a true blessing to all who knew him.
Anticipating his arrival are his father, Carl Jackson, Jr. and paternal grandparents: Ada Williams and Carl R. Jackson, Sr; his maternal grandparents: Lucille Edwards and Wesley Brooks, his sister and brother-inlaw: Connie Joyce Jackson and Aaron Jerome Collins and those departed of the Williams-Jackson, Edwards-Brooks Families.
Left to cherish his memory, his love of life, his compassion for family and friends are his mother: Oristene Brooks Jackson, his youngest sister and best friend, Kathy Ann Davis and brother-inlaw Mark, his niece Kayla LeAnn Davis, his nephew Nicholas Wade Davis, Connie and Jerome’s children: nephew: Timothy Carl Collins, nieces: Christy Lynn Collins, Jessica Rose Collins, great niece Aralyn Joy Collins, his godchildren: Whitney Jackson, James Mason and Jeremy Mason, a host of cousins and numerous descendants and friends of the Williams-Jackson, Edwards-Brooks Families and the Shady Grove Church Family.
“...The time of my departure has come, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4: 6b-8)
