Telford Jackson, also known as Thomas Jackson, was born on July 18, 1937, in Lamison, Alabama, to Mallie & Beatrice Jackson, Telford was the 10th child of 14 children. At the age of 4, he and his family moved to Coy, Alabama, where Telford attended Coy Public Elementary and Junior High. In the 9th grade he moved to Mobile, Alabama to live with his sister, Bessie Taylor, and attended Mobile County High School.

Telford gave his life to God at an early age he was a member of the Little Zion Baptist Church. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army and served his country and was discharged with honors in 1959.  Telford moved to Cleveland, Ohio, joining three of his oldest siblings and a few aunties.

Telford worked many factory jobs for several years. In 1960, Telford met Shirley Sharp – the two were together under common law in which her name changed to Shirley Jackson. Shirley was a positive turning point in Telford’s life, encouraging him to become a better man. In 1962, he landed a job at White Motors until the plant closed.  Later, he became an entrepreneur, owning and operating vehicles in the trucking business, limo, and tour bus services, and he was very successful. He retired after many years due to health issues. In his free time, he enjoyed travelling and spending time with his family.

“Richard Jackson and Johnnie Jackson helped me with my future endeavors. I want to thank my daughter Jacqueline Jackson for sticking by my side until the end and my daughter Doris Grady for offering a lending hand. This is all from your daddy Telford ‘Sugar’ Jackson.”

Preceded in death by his life partner, Shirley Jackson; parents, Mallie, and Beatrice Jackson; siblings, Eva Davis, Monique Ford, Joe Jackson, Lillie Austin, Ida Vivian (I.V.), Bessie Kyser, Johnnie Jackson, Ellis Jackson, Richard Jackson, and James Paul Jackson; as well as Ladeadrick Jackson, Telford Palmer, and Bonnie Davis.

Telford leaves to mourn 8 children, Jacqueline Jackson, Marcinda Jackson, Yonetta Jackson, Ladarren Jackson, Yolanda Palmer, Derrick Palmer, Doris Grady, and Cedric Carter; stepdaughter, Linda Ruffin; 12 grandchildren; special granddaughter, Destiny Jackson; special great-grandson, Elijah Palmer; one brother, David Jackson; two sisters, Geraldine Jackson, and Viola Jackson; as well as a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.