Mr. Willie Burnett Jackson was born on February 9, 1927 in Jackson, Mississippi to the union of Luther and Eddie Mae Jackson. Willie was blessed to receive the love of two fathers and was raised by Bishop Oliver J. Jackson. Growing up in a God-fearing home, Willie confessed a hope in Christ at an early age. He grew up in Jackson, Mississippi and completed his elementary, junior high and senior high school education. After graduating, Willie continued his education at Mary Holmes College in West Point, Mississippi. He graduated with a degree in welding and automotive.

In 1945, Willie joined the United States Army to serve during WWII. He was honorably discharged in 1946 at the rank of Private. During his time in the military, Willie completed engineer basic training, was a general carpenter and patrolman guard. For his service, he received the World War II Victory Medal of Honor. After Willie was discharged, he returned home for a while, before pursuing other interests.

He relocated to St. Louis, Missouri in the late 1950's and found the love of his life Ms. Alma Jackson. On August 1, 1957, they were united in wedlock.

Willie found employment with the United States Postal Service. Later in life, Willie also gained employment with American Car Foundry as a welder, from which he retired.

Falling back on his religious foundation, Willie united with Parks Chapel AME Church of Centreville, IL and then in the 1970s, united with St. Joseph's Catholic Church later named St. Augustine of Hippo Catholic Church where he served as a faithful usher board member for many years. In his free time, Willie sang with several quartet groups, including the Zion Jubilees and the Illinois Special for several years. He loved gospel quartets, especially the Canton Spirituals.

During his lifetime, Willie always had a passion for sports, especially baseball; GO CARDS!! His hobbies included fishing, hunting and making quilts. But none of his hobbies, none of his interests, could compete with the love he had for his dear wife and family.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie Mae Jackson, Oliver J. Jackson and Luther Jackson; his sister, Lillie Mae Jackson Jones (Arthur); his sons, Henry L. (Frog) Jackson and Willie D. (Buddy) Jackson; daughter-in-law, Kimberly Jackson and several aunts and uncles. He loved the Lord and the Word. However, the Lord loved Willie enough to welcome him home on the morning of Tuesday, January 24, 2017, as he was surrounded by his wife and family.

Willie leaves to cherish his precious memories with his loving wife, Alma Jackson (Big Mama); his children, Kenneth Jackson of Tacoma, WA, Booker T. Jackson, Sr. of Detroit, MI, Cedric A. Jackson, Sr. of Alorton, IL, Felicia J. Gray (Calvin, Sr.) of East St. Louis, IL, Geneva M. Jackson of East St. Louis, IL and Fitzgerald R. Jackson of Columbia, MO; 34 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; 1 brother, Alvin (Stone) Jackson (Mary) of Starksville, MS; 1 brother-in-law Booker Jackson (Marsha), East St. Louis, IL; special nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends; godchildren, Angela Burns, Kip Rodgers, Jr., Shontay Hoffman, Robert Boyd, Toni Benton, Wanda Orange, Darnell Ivy and a host of special godchildren.