Mr. Robert Lee Jackson was born September 3, 1951 in Americus, Georgia, son of the late Virginia Jackson and David Wilkerson. Growing up in the south, he had the good fortune of being introduced to the field of Carpentry by Master Builders and Master Carpenters. These skilled professionals took him under their wing and provided the foundation for his business ventures later in life.

From the age of 16, Robert was raised by his uncle, Jessie Jackson, of Detroit, Michigan. He continued pursuing his interest in the field of Carpentry and was employed with the G. Fisher Construction Company of Farmington Hills, Michigan. While living in Detroit, he attended the Greater Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan under the leadership of Pastor Pierce.

He met and married the love of his life, Deborah Jackson, with whom he shared 45 years of marital bliss. Their union was blessed with four daughters: Desiree, Robyn, Joclyn and LaSandra. Mrs. Jackson described him as “her first and only love, her life-long friend, a God-fearing man and proud father who did whatever was necessary to secure the family, a man with a big heart who never hesitated to help others.” His favorite past times included simply watching television and spending time with his family. Robert moved to Rochester, New York in 2011 and began his own business as a self-employed Carpenter, serving customers in Rochester, Detroit and New York. He was truly gifted with his hands and could do nearly anything in a house. He built decks and porches as well as remodeled homes.

Robert is predeceased by: his parents, Virginia Jackson and David Wilkerson; one brother, Felton Thomas; 2 brothers-in-law, Cletis Jones and Walter Hogue; 4 sisters: Ella Cherry, Carolyn King, Wanda Kay Thomas and Gloria Jean Patterson; 4 cousins whom he grew up with and considered his brothers and sisters: Sonny, Fiesta, Emmanuel and Rosa Jackson. Having departed this life at home on May 19, 2018 at 2:00 p.m., Robert leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Deborah Jackson of NY; mother-in-law, Sadie Deese of NY; 4 daughters: Desiree and Robyn Jackson, Joclyn (Glenn) Chapman and La Sandra (Glenn) Zirker, all of NY; grandchildren: DeShaune Robert Jackson of AL, Maddison Jackson of NY, McKenzie Jackson of NY, Aubrey Chapman of AL, Glenn Edward Chapman II of AL, Devon Gibson, Gabrielle Gibson and Elan Zirker, all of MI; 3 brothers, Jessie (Yvonne) Jackson of MI, Jerome Thomas of GA, and John Davis of CT; 7 sisters: Pamela (Hardy) Breedlove of GA, Sally Mae (David) Smith of GA, Denise Thomas and Minnie Lou Thomas, both of PA; Gloria Tyson of GA and Sandra Allen of NJ. He also leaves: 6 brothers-in-law: Arnold (Patricia) Hogue of SC, Etheridge (Mildred) Hogue of AL, Clarence Jones of NY, John Johnson of AL, Roland Johnson of NY and Bradford (Rebecca) Johnson of NY; 3 sisters-in-law: Janet (Billy) Ferguson of AL, Christy (Lavell) McElroy of AL and Mercedes (Paul) Johnson of SC; cousins who were like siblings: Jessie Davis, Barbara Free and Terry Davis, all of MI; many nephews and nieces who were very dear to him; other relatives and friends, including a special cousin who worked with him and often spent time with him, referred to as his “ride or die”, Michael Thomas of NY.

Friends may call Saturday May 26, 2018 from 11 am-12 noon with services to follow at the funeral home. Interment Private

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