“Life’s greatest lab is experience, and through it, we learn, we grow, and we leave behind a legacy worth remembering.”
Dr. Duane Myron Jackson, a scholar, visionary, and seeker of wisdom, has completed his earthly journey and entered eternal rest. Born in Chicago, Illinois, to Rev. Abraham Patterson Jackson and Harriet Coskrey Jackson, Duane was destined to lead a life of profound intellect and quiet strength. As the eldest sibling to Rev. Darrell Jackson, Gloria Jackson, and Jasmine Jackson, he carried the weight of wisdom early on, always described as precocious far beyond his years, an observant soul who learned more from listening than speaking.
A man of humility and curiosity, Duane balanced the privileges of his upbringing with a deep respect for humanity. Though known as the more reserved brother, he carved his own space a cool nerd, fiercely committed to education, yet undeniably magnetic in his own right. His adventurous spirit and path-blazing mindset were evident from childhood, once running away to a friend’s home only to be swiftly sent back with laughter and a lesson.
From his early days, Duane's life was a study in contrast a man of both adventure and discipline, intellect and humility. In high school, he thrived as an athlete and a trombone player, balancing rigor with joy. He worked in hospitals as a patient tech, not only transporting patients but bringing laughter to difficult situations racing wheelchairs down the halls with willing participants, turning fear into fun.
As he approached the crossroads of adulthood, his father insisted on college. Duane had his own ideas the University of Hawaii beckoned him, but destiny had another plan. On a visit to Morehouse College, he encountered a figure who would shape his path Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. himself, standing by a window, waiting. Their conversation ended with Dr. King’s pointed words: “Your father went here, I went here, and you think you're too good to go here?” The weight of legacy settled in, and soon enough, Duane became a Morehouse Man a decision that would mold his future, his influence, and his undeniable impact.
His thirst for service led him away from the classroom and into the ranks of the U.S. Army. As a Crypto Analyst, he was entrusted with breaking enemy codes deciphering secrets that would protect the country. His assignments led him straight into the heart of the Vietnam War, later taking him to Japan, where deciphering intelligence was just one of his many talents. There, he joined a pop band, playing trombone, making memories that remained untold, and embracing the mischief of youth.
Upon his return to Morehouse in 1972, fate placed him in the path of Fleda Mask, the woman who would become his wife, partner, and soulmate. Their love story was orchestrated by divine timing, weaving through chance meetings, missed opportunities, and a West End walk turned proposal that was as direct as it was heartfelt "I think we should get married. " Duane said, “I think we should too” replied Fleda, And, so they did. They embarked on a shared pursuit of education, moving to Illinois for graduate school and adding to their young family a daughter, Kimya Imani, and later returning to Atlanta where Duane found home as a professor at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) where their son, Kari Abraham was born.
Dr. Duane Myron Jackson, an esteemed scholar, educator, and servant leader, leaves behind a legacy of intellectual curiosity, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to his community. With a career spanning over 35 years as a Professor of Psychology at Morehouse College, Dr. Jackson shaped the futures of generations of students, scholars, and professionals.
A renowned animal behaviorist specializing in insect behavior, he devoted his life’s work to understanding the intricacies of non-human and human behavior. His contributions extended beyond academia into the broader world through his affiliation with Zoo Atlanta, where he served as Curator of Invertebrates for decades. In recognition of his service, he was honored with the title of Emeritus Director, a lifetime appointment an acknowledgment of his extraordinary contributions to the study and care of invertebrates.
Dr. Jackson believed in the power of education beyond the classroom, lending his expertise to environmental justice through his work with the Atlanta Outdoor Activity Center, where he conducted insect and environmental workshops for youth. His knowledge and passion for animal behavior reached far and wide, with publications featured in Ebony, Jet, Black Enterprise, The Atlanta Constitution, and The Chicago Defender. His insights also graced documentaries and interviews aired on PBS, CBS, A&E, and CNN, making science accessible, engaging, and inspiring.
As a trailblazer in animal behavior studies, Dr. Jackson hosted the annual meeting of the Animal Behavior Society (ABS) at Morehouse College in 2000, after which he and his colleagues established the Charles Turner Award, honoring the first African American animal behaviorist. This award continues to support undergraduate participation in the ABS’s annual gathering, ensuring the legacy of African American scholars in the field lives on.
But perhaps his most profound impact is the legacy he created in his students. His laboratory produced award -winning research on insect development, aggression, and mating behaviors, shaping the careers
of researchers, professors, veterinarians, administrators, media professionals, and ministers across the country. His former students from Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta University often reflect on how his lessons in research, discipline, and innovation laid the foundation for their success.
Affectionately known as the “Bug Man,” Dr. Jackson dedicated himself to mentoring individuals from preschoolers to young professionals. His reach extended far beyond college students he volunteered for weekly science classes for middle schoolers, trained elementary and high school educators, and led Morehouse’s first Math Science Upward Bound Program, ensuring students had a platform to document and share their research.
Through it all, Duane never wavered in his commitment to family, faith, and financial stewardship. His journey led him to Ebenezer Baptist Church, fulfilling a cycle started by Daddy King, who had pushed Duane’s father toward Morehouse, and Dr. King Jr., who had pushed Duane himself. Though he was a pastor’s son, he preferred servanthood over pulpit ministry, embodying the scripture Matthew 23:11 "The greatest among you shall be your servant."
A faithful servant and leader, Dr. Jackson was deeply embedded and connected to his spiritual curiosity at Ebenezer, where he served as co-leader of the Grief and Loss Ministry and was a founding leader of Ishmael’s Promise, a dedicated member of the Deacon Board ministry, and dedicated to youth enrichment for nearly two decades. His calling was to serve others, ensuring young people were equipped not only with knowledge but with confidence and encouragement to succeed.
Dr. Jackson was a scientist of life, an architect of thought, and a believer in the power of knowledge. His laboratory was not just confined to research but extended into mentorship, leadership, spirituality, and a relentless pursuit of truth. He believed in the transformative power of education, instilling it in every conversation, every lesson, every interaction.
His life reminds us of Proverbs 4:7: "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." He sought wisdom not just for himself but for others, ensuring that those around him left his presence knowing more, questioning more, and striving for more.
Though Duane has departed this physical realm, his legacy is etched into the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege to learn from him, laugh with him, and be transformed by his presence. He did not simply live he taught, he built, and he inspired. And as the final bell rings on his earthly journey, we celebrate a life well-taught, well-lived, and forever cherished. We celebrate the laboratory of Life where Dr. Jackson’s lessons will continue far beyond this current age. Rest on Dr. Jackson, Rest on!
Dr. Jackson is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dr. Fleda Mask Jackson, daughter Dr. Kimya Imani Jackson, son Kari Abraham Jackson, sisters Gloria Jackson and Jasmine Jackson, Sister-in-law, Michelle Jackson, nieces and nephews, Maurice Jackson, Vanessa Boyer, Mathew Rego and Grace Jackson and a host of family friends.
Prelude
Processional
Invocation
Scripture Readings
Old Testament: Psalm 16:8-11
New Testament: John 17:3-5
Pastoral Prayer
Musical Selection
A Teacher’s Legacy
Musical Selection
Beyond the Classroom Walls
Video Tribute
Lessons of Love & Light
Song of Preparation
Words of Comfort
Recessional
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
David F. Oliver, D.M.A., Organist
“I’m Glad to Be In the Service”
Clergy, EBC Leaders, & Family
The Honorable Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, Ph.D., Senior Pastor
Rev. Prince R. Rivers, Ph.D.
Senior Pastor, Union Baptist Church, Durham, North Carolina
Rev. Olivia D.A. Maxwell
Associate Pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church
Rev. T. De Witt Smith, Jr., D.Min.
Senior Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church of Metro Atlanta
“I Am on the Battlefield for My LORD”
Rev. T. De Witt Smith, Jr., D.Min.
President David A. Thomas, Ph.D., President of Morehouse College
Tina R. Chang, Ph.D., Psychology Department Chair and Associate Professor, Morehouse College
Yohance Murray, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology NTT, Morehouse College
Pamela Scott Johnson, Ph.D., Former Student Lab Assistant & Provost of Spelman College
Julian James, Former Student Lab Assistant & Screenwriter/Producer
“It Is Well with My Soul”
Derek Scott, Ph.D., Former Student and Guitarist
Zoe Nieminem, Vice President of Zoo Atlanta
Dr. Na’Taki Osbourne Jelks, Executive Director of the Outdoor Activity Center
Deacon Phillip Finch, Ishmael’s Promise
Deacon Elliott Bryant, Ebenezer Baptist Church
“I Shall Wear a Crown”
Durmon Jackson, Cousin
Vanessa Boyer, Niece
Marshall Thomas, Best Friend
Kimya Imani Jackson, Ph.D., Daughter
Mr. Kari Abraham Jackson, Son
Fleda Mask Jackson, Ph.D., Adoring Wife
“Goodness of God”
Tamika Patton Watkins, Psalmist
Min. Patrice E. Turner, M.Div., Ed.D., Director of Worship & the Arts and Pianist
Rev. Rylan A. Harris, Hammond Organist
Nathaniel Kearney, Jr., Bassist
Louis K. Newsom, III, Drummer
The Honorable Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, Ph.D
“Dear Old Morehouse”
Clergy, EBC Leadership, & Family
Westview Cemetery 1680 Westview Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30310
Ebenezer Baptist Church Deaconesses
Ebenezer Baptist Church Deacons
Individuals can contribute to the Dr. Duane M. Jackson Scholarship Fund that will support at promise youth to attend the O-Academy nature camp for kids that Dr. Jackson heavily invested in by contributing tax-deductible donations to the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA).
Donations can be sent to:
West Atlanta Watershed Alliance P.O. Box 10883 Atlanta, GA 30310 OR By visiting www.wawa-online.org and clicking the donate button.
List Dr. Duane M. Jackson in the Memo line. (Bottom of Form)
The family wishes to acknowledge with sincere appreciation the many comforting messages, calls, cards, prayers, flowers, food and many other expressions of kindness. Each act of kindness has been embedded in our hearts. Your love and prayers have been a source of comfort at this time of bereavement. May God richly bless you is our prayer! Special thanks to The Honorable Rev. Raphael G. Warnock and The Ebenezer Baptist Church Family.
Historic West End Chapel 1003 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard Atlanta, Georgia 30310
404-758-1731 www.williewatkins.com
