Issuu

The Honorable Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, Ph.D., Senior Pastor

“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.

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