Johnie Lee Jackson, 91, affectionately known as “Boose,” passed away peacefully after a short illness on February 25, 2021, surrounded by his family at the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital.

Born in Gainesville, Alabama to the late Frances Head and Anderson Jackson, Johnie accepted Christ at 12 years of age and joined New Bethel Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. P.F. Ware.  He was very active at New Bethel, becoming a member of the usher board and choir.  Johnie was educated in the Sumter County School System in Gainesville.

Johnie later married the love of his life, Willie Mae Ellington, and to this 70-year union five children were born:  Mary, Loretta, Carolyn, John Jr., and Teresa.

To provide a better life for his wife and daughter, Johnie left Alabama in 1953 and moved to Akron, Ohio in search of employment.  Shortly thereafter, he was joined by his wife and daughter Mary.

Since providing for his family was always a priority, he usually worked a full-time and part-time job.  After working for several companies over the years, he accepted a position with Lectromelt Casting Division in Barberton, OH.   He held different positions last working as a steel molder with 20+ years of service until the company closed.  He also worked for Akron Public Schools until his retirement in 1995.

Johnie was a faithful and very active member of the International Masons & Order of the Eastern Star, Cornerstone Lodge No. 59, for over 46 years.  He held numerous positions including past Worshipful Master within his lodge, as well as achieving the level of 33^rd Degree.  His awards, recognition, and achievements were countless for his devotion, loyalty, and commitment to the Masonic Order.

Johnie was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where he enjoyed the preaching and singing of Pastor Rev. William C. Bunton.  Being a lover of gospel music, he thoroughly enjoyed attending gospel concerts with his cousin Betty Jackson and friend Mike Wood; especially those featuring two of his favorite gospel groups “Boot N’ the Boyz” and “The Gospel Heavyweights.”

Being a sports fan, he enjoyed watching all sports, but he dearly loved baseball; with the Cleveland Indians being his favorite team.  On most warm summer evenings, the neighbors will agree that he could be seen at home relaxing outside in the breezeway while listening to a baseball game on one of his favorite radios that he had specifically for that.  In addition to baseball, he also loved watching westerns and game shows.

Johnie was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Anderson Jackson; brothers, Tom (Jeannie), Charlie (Mary Lee), James Henry (Bertha Lee); sister, Bertha Davis; brothers-in-law, Joseph Jr. and Thomas Ellington, Clarence Harris, Samuel Williams, James Johnson, Robert Dancy; sister-in-law, Melinda Harris; nephews, Eddie and Louis Jackson.

To cherish his life and memory, he leaves his loving and devoted wife, Willie Mae (whom he affectionately called “Ma”); children, Mary (Carlson) Preer of Copley, OH, Loretta (Mark) Long of Euclid, OH, Carolyn, John Jr. (Norma) and Teresa Jackson all of Akron Ohio; grandchildren, Chelsey and Ciera Preer of Akron, OH; brother-in-law, Arthur J. (Rubye) Ellington of Plantation, FL; sisters-in-law, Eva Ellington Tuscaloosa, AL, Annie B. Ellington of Birmingham, AL, Christine Dancy Southfield, MI, Louise Johnson Cleveland, OH, Josie L. Orr Cleveland, OH, Margaret Williams (Grand Blanc, MI), Bertha King Huntsville, AL; special niece, Barbara Hutchins; special nephew, Vance Alexander; adopted daughter, Lula McKinnie and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Special friends, Floyd Hodges, A. Scooby McNeil, Michael Wood, Mr. and Mrs. L.J. Walker, and Michael Buckner; special neighbors, the Brooks, Robins, and Person families.