Obituary of Thomas L. Jackson

Thomas Leroy Jackson passed suddenly in the presence of family and entered the presence of the Lord on November 22, 2021. It was no surprise to God when He, in His infinite wisdom, decided it was time for you to come home and take your rest. However, it was truly an unwelcome and heartbreaking surprise to all of us and our lives will forever be changed. Thomas Leroy Jackson was born on April 12, 1971, to the late Ernest D. Jones and Juanita Jackson in Philadelphia, PA. Thomas was affectionately called Peanut by his family and close friends; in his later years, he was called Tom. Thomas dedicated his life to Christ at a young age. Although he didn't attend church regularly, Thomas has always prayed and had a personal relationship with God. Thomas began his elementary education in Fairfax, SC with his late beloved grandmother, Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Jackson. He then returned to Philadelphia with his parents, Juanita Jackson Young and William Young III to continue his education in the Philadelphia Public School system. He graduated and received his high school diploma from Benjamin Franklin High School. Tom loved cooking and attended culinary school to refine his skills by studying to become a Master Chef. Thomas was a hardworking man. He was the head cook at the Top of Centre Square in Center City Philadelphia for many years and then at Stouffer's restaurant. He loved to prepare meals for his family, especially his grandmother and devoted mother, Juanita Jackson-Young. At various family events, he could always be found cooking and/or cleaning up. He was such a go-getter that he switched careers and began working in construction and home remodeling. He worked for various companies and contractors throughout the city of Philadelphia and Delaware County. Thomas was jovial, funny, kind-hearted, generous, and loving towards anyone who met him. He made friends easily because of his magnetic personality. Thomas was a devoted son, father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He didn't play when it came to his grandmother, mother, and daughter. He would drop any and everything he was doing to assist them and ensure that all was well with them. Thomas genuinely loved and cared for his family. He always let it be known that he came from a very large family and that he was one of 15 children. He never missed an opportunity to brag to his friends about how proud he was of his family and their accomplishments. He would pop up unannounced on his siblings to spend time with them. You never knew when he was coming; you felt loved being in his presence. His nieces and nephews thought he was super funny. He would often randomly call them up and say, "Hey, uncle loves you! Send me some pictures please." Thomas was always thinking of a 'master plan' to get rich and take care of his family. To make a point whenever he was explaining something to a family member, he would start with, "Check this out, man…" The highlight of Thomas’s life was the birth of his one and only child, a beautiful baby girl he named Tamira Taylor Jackson. There was never a conversation you had with him where he didn't mention the apple of his eye! Randomly and on any given day, he would send his daughter text messages expressing his love or sharing songs from his favorite artist, Brian McKnight. He will be sorely missed by all who truly knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory: Parents: Juanita Jackson-Young & William Young III; Daughter: Tamira Taylor Jackson; Sisters: Lawanda Graham, Elizabeth Grant-Byrd (Reggie), Tinisha Wescott (Nathan), Nakia Young, Denise Childs-Morgan (Darren), Willona Young, Patricia Carter, Lataya Valentine (Earl), Carla Jackson; Brothers: Ernest Spann(Gina), Tajuan Jones Sr., Lamar Gilliam, and John Jones; Godbrother: Darrell Hughes; Aunts: Louise Walker, Christina Jackson, Rosella Jackson, Sherrilyn Jackson, Hazel Jackson, Mildred Sparrow, Juanita Darville, Beverly Jackson, Deloris Jackson, Veatta Jones, Irene Murray, Carolyn Jones; Cousins: Bianca Jackson, Asia Jackson, Tamika Jackson, Thomas Aaron Jackson, Marie Tyson, Barbara Thompson, Charles Thompson, Marjorie Thompson, Marie Tyson, Carlos Jackson, Latish Sanders, and Dawan Hughes along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other cousins. Best friend: Nash Fisher.