Cleophas Cawthorn Jackson Sr.

 

Cleophas Cawthorn Jackson Senior was born September 22nd 1928 at in Selma, Alabama to the late Peter and Hattie {Baldwin) Jackson who preceded him in death.  He is survived by sisters Fannie Jackson and Hattie (William) Hall.  He was blessed to have 24 siblings.  He was proceeded in death by his brothers James, Thomas, Andrew, Charles  and Harry.  And he was proceeded in death by sisters Ruth, Edna, Lilly, and Pearl.  He grew up in Selma where he and the family farmed and he learned the value of a hard day’s work.  At the age of 16, Cleophas moved to Detroit where he stayed with his brother James and his family until finding his own place. He attended and graduated from Northwestern High School where he met the love of his life Cornelia Pearle Isaac.  He often recalled carrying a 25-hour schedule in a 24-hour day between work at the telegraph company and school.  He was later drafted and served in the United States Army in Germany, where he leaned to speak quite a bit of German.  Upon his return home to Detroit, he and Cornelia were joined in Holy Matrimony on May 11, 1953, for nearly 66 years.  To this union one son was born.  During the course of their union, they cared for Leonard (deceased), Eddie (deceased), Douglas, Eleanor, Susie, Rosalie (deceased), Dollie, Mildred, William (deceased), and Benjamin.

He served faithfully as a Deacon then Associate Minister at True Love Missionary Baptist Church until he was called to serve as earthly founder of Christian Love Mission which was incorporated as Christ Divine Love Missionary Baptist Church in November 1980.  He served as Pastor and Founder until the spring of 2023.  He was a member of the Baptist Ministers Union of Detroit and Vicinity where he served as a faithful officer.  He had previously been a member of the fraternal order of the Masons although not currently active.  Among his many accomplishments include working together with his loving wife and congregation they were able to build a new edifice for Christ without any bank loans.  He leaves to cherish his memory a loving son Cleophas Jackson Jr. (Hilary) grandchildren Sinayah Grace Jackson and Cleophas Cawthorn Jackson III, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, & great grand nieces and nephews.