Brother Angelo Jacobs

A man of honor, A man of integrity, A man of faith.

Angelo was born on May 26,1958 to Mrs. Willie Mae and Mr. Jake Jacobs, both preceding Angelo in death. Angelo was reared in the Warrensville Hts School System where he was introduced to a skill of a draftsman. He received additional training at Tri-C which eventually led to employment with the Cuyahoga County Engineer’s Department as a Bridge Inspector. His credits with the county as a draftsman include the personal design of a bridge in Shaker Hts, Ohio near the Shaker Lakes that yet stands today.

He retired from the Cuyahoga County Engineer’s Department after 22 overall years of service with the county. He had just celebrated his 51st birthday.

He later decided to come out of retirement as he chose to join the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) Laboratory service as a full-time lab courier, most recently being promoted to join the management team.

Angelo is known for his photography work as he has captured memories of so many special moments down through the years. You only have to know a family member to get the “family discount”. He was truly the kindest, most patient, professional and the best of photographers in Cleveland. Dr. Deborah Watson put it this way, “He has helped us to remember”. He has also inspired many to pick up where he left off.

In February 2023, after the return from a 3-week excursion around South Africa, Angelo took ill having a difficult time to fully recover. This is when he was diagnosed as having an aggressive form of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. He began aggressive treatment over the following months having multiple side-effects, some rendering him almost life-less. However, there were definite signs that the cancer was responsive to treatment. In December of 2023, repeat studies suggested an early relapse. A different form of treatment was introduced in Feb 2024 that was known to be curative in many patients with this type of cancer. However, this was not the case with Angelo. As he improved physically, the cancer continued to progress despite treatment. On 6/30 was my last time gazing into his eyes. On July 1st, his heart gave up while he slept.

Angelo was a man of faith as he was a strong supporter of the ministry and the Kingdom of God, even if only behind the scenes. He has always recognized God’s work in his life. One of his last requests on 6/30 was to hear the Holy Trinity Church and Cultural Arts’ Sunday broadcast. He rested comfortably as he listened to the praise and worship going forth. After leaving him on Sunday, 6/30, I would never have thought that this would be my final opportunity to hear his voice as he would say “be safe” and see his smile.

Angelo leaves to mourn his wife of 30 years, Dr. Vivian Clark-Jacobs, his sisters; Cynthia Washington (Charles), Venita Lynn, Brother; Jarmel Jacobs, Daughters; Angela Taylor and Danielle Clark-Barnes, Son; Joshua Isaiah Jacobs, Nephew; Isaiah Lynn, Nieces; Kiana Cogdell, Ivana Lynn, AiRese Deans, three grandsons; Christopher, Josiah and Larenz, and a host of “in-loves”, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and associates.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18 (NIV)