In Memory of Carlton Peter Jackson

Family Tree

A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls. I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin. Until the day comes we’re together again.

Obituary

Carlton Peter Jackson II, 69, departed this life on September 20, 2022, at the Westchester Medical Center In White Plains, NY surrounded by his loving family. He was the Patriarch of his very close family and enjoyed spending as much time as possible together, especially at holidays and reunions during his retirement. Carlton Peter Jackson, affectionately called Peter, was born October 29, 1952; the only son of four children born to Carlton and Minnie Jackson in Harlem, NY. Being the only boy, he was doted on by all of the family, especially his grandmother, Naomi.

Peter became the head of the household after his father’s untimely death, taking on the responsibility of providing for and protecting the family at a very early age. This significant duty helped shape who Peter would become later in life. A family first mentality encompassed the entirety of his existence. He was a ferocious protector of his mother and sisters, especially baby sisters, Melody and Patrice for his entire life. He was raised in the Catholic tradition and his education started at St. Mark the Evangelist School. As an adolescent working around NYC, he attended Cardozo HS in Queens and completed high school at Suncoast HS in West Palm Beach Florida. He returned to New York and pursued his degree at Hunter College (CUNY). He then went to work full time and was well known in his Harlem community, having owned a prosperous candy store on 137th st. and Lenox Ave, among other endeavors. He truly took the Harlem Hustle mantra to heart. Peter was "Mr. Make it Happen," ambitious, hardworking, fearless, and willing to take risks to achieve his goals. After years of employment, Peter retired from the Westchester County Parks Department where he was a groundskeeper throughout county facilities.

On a blind date in 1978 in Harlem, Peter met Kim Wallace, the love of his life and lifelong partner of 45 consecutive years. Out of that union, came Karla in 1981 and Carlton III (Bear) in 1989, the apples of his eye. Always striving for better quality of life, in 2000 he relocated the family to upstate New York, and later Georgia, where he enjoyed fishing and taking in the serenity of the surrounding nature. An unceasing learner, Peter had a profound love of reading, especially works by Stephen King, James Baldwin, and James Patterson. There wasn’t a road trip that didn’t involve an audio book or talk radio segment- he loved to argue back at Curtis Sliwa in the car! He was fondly entertained by Science Fiction, Horror, Comedy, and the classic television shows of his youth especially the Twilight Zone and The Honeymooners. He also enjoyed spending time researching history and studying mysteries of the universe (he just knew big foot and the loch ness monster were alive and well). There wasn't a library in Westchester that he didn't borrow from.

Obituary

The Schomburg Center in Harlem was an especially favorite stop of his to take a young Karla, where they would regularly take out books and immerse themselves in exhibits in the culture and history of the African American experience. He was chief counsel to his son, pouring into him what it means to be a man of color in this world. It was critically important to him that his children knew who they were and what greatness they came from. It was his life’s mission to raise them up to be fierce, independent, contributing members of society, and it was with pride he was able to witness (and brag to his friends) his children become educated, excel in careers, become homeowners, travel the world, and contribute back to their community.

Peter was highly involved in the rearing of all of his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren as well. Ever the patriarch, Peter was the mainstay, reliable, fatherly presence for all of their large and small milestones and everything in between and shared a relationship with each of them that went far beyond the role of favorite uncle and grandpa. He was father figure to anyone who needed one. Peter taught all of the children of his family to be their brothers (and sisters) keepers as he was for his, and the morals and values that made him who he was: family, loyalty, and hard work traits they all hold dear and carry with them today.

He had a heart of pure gold and was willing to lend a helping hand to any who needed it. There was always a ride to be given, sound advice to be shared, a couch or bed to sleep on, or a meal to be shared if you expressed a need. He had an infectious smile, and always a greeting of “Hey Buddy!” when he saw you. All it took was a flash of that smile, and a glean in his eye to be sold on whatever he was selling. He touched the lives of many and leaves a void too large to fill.

Peter was devoted to his loved ones and is survived by Kim & Carlton of Georgia, Karla of Connecticut, Step daughter Selena of New York, two sisters, Melody Burroughs of Maryland and Patrice Bonardy of Georgia, Granddaughter Aniyah and Grandson Amare. His "Four Brothers from Others" James, Danny, Chucky, and Stevie, A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends are also among the survivors of his legacy. Peter is predeceased in life by his parents, one sister, Bernadette Angel Jackson, and his beloved niece Ashley Monique Bonardy. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in his memory to either the American Liver Foundation (https://liverfoundation.org/), The NAACP Legal Defense Fund, (https://www.naacpldf.org) or a Black Lives Matter chapter in your area (https://blacklivesmatter.com/)

Broken Chain

We little knew the day that God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you But you didn’t go alone.

For part of us went with you The day God called you home.

You left us overflowing memories. Your love and advice is still our guide, And though we cannot see you You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one the chain will link again.

Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

I’m following the path God has laid you see. I took His hand when I heard him call I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss

Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and peace to thee God wanted me now; He set me free.

ThankYou

We, the family wish to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern, and kindness shown to us during this time of tremendous grief and bereavement.

We thank every doctor, nurse, and medical support professional at Montifiore and Westchester Medical Centers for their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and heartfelt care. Your masterfulness was truly unmatched.

Thank you to the staff at Benta's Funeral Home , Inc. and to Bishop Owens, the Owens family and the entire GoldenSword International Fellowship Church for holding our hands, praying with and for us, and moving in such a distinguished and honorable way.

Wind Beneath My Wings

It must have been cold there in my shadow

To never have sunlight on your face

You were content to let me shine

That's your way

You always walked a step behind

See, I was the one with all the glory

While you were the one with all the strength

Only a face without a name I never once heard you complain, no Did you ever know that you're my hero

You're everything I would like to be I could fly higher than an eagle

Cause you are the wind beneath my wings

It might have appeared to go unnoticed

But daddy, daddy, daddy I've got it all Right here in my heart, yes I do say And I want you to know, I know the truth

I know you know the truth about it

I would be nothing, nothing without you, you Did you ever know that you're my hero

You're everything I would like to be You're a part of me, you're a part of me I could fly higher than an eagle

Cause you are the wind beneath the old man's wings

You are the wind beneath my wings, my wings

See, daddy I remember you were On the stage singing your song

Singing your song, now

That's why I used to take you and your brothers on the road

I used to carry, I used to carry y'all along But now I'm proud we can stand up here And sing it together now, hey yeah It's so good to see your dreams come true Right here and right now, right now It might have appeared to go unnoticed, unnoticed (No, it didn't daddy)

But, son I've got it all right here in my arms

In my arms, in my heart

I want you to know that I know the truth

Yes, I do, yes I do I would be nothing daddy

Nothing, zero, zero without you, without you Did you ever know that you're my hero

If you didn't, I'm telling you now daddy, daddy You're everything I would like to be My son, my son, you're a part of me I could fly higher than an eagle

Cause you are the wind beneath your daddy's wings

You are the wind beneath your little son's wings, wings

Jeff Alan Silbar / Larry Joel Henley