Deacon Emeritus Welford Jackson, Sr.

Deacon Emeritus Welford Jackson, Sr., Pop" went home to be with his heavenly father on Saturday morning, January 10, 2009 at his residence. He was born on August 12, 1935 to the late John W. and Myrtle G. Jackson. He was preceded in death by one sister and two brothers.

Welford obtained his education at Beaulahville School in King William County. He was employed by the APAC Construction Company for forty plus years upon his retirement.

At an early age, Welford accepted Christ and joined Providence Baptist Church. Welford was elected to the Trustee Ministry on February 22, 1969 and to the Diaconate on August 24, 1969. He was ordained March 8, 1970.

As a faithful servant, Deacon Jackson co-chair of the Diaconate ministry for one year(1993) and since 1994 as chairman. Deacon Welford Jackson was a Dedicated spiritual leader. His strong leadership in business meetings provided order, kept all members in line and guaranteed that things would run smoothly.

Deacon Jackson was a songster known through out this county and surrounding aare. With his rich tone, this man could lift you through song and prayer. He loved to listen to and sing Quartet songs. In his earlier years he sang with the Evening Echoes, a gospel Quartet Group that originated from Providence Baptist Church. He sung with the Providence Male Chorus until his health began to fail. Some of his favorite songs were "Oh Mary Don't You Weep, Rough Side of the Mountain, I Won't Have to Cry No More, and Hold to God's Unchanging Hand.

Deacon Emeritus Jackson fondly known as "Pop" was a humble and God fearing man. Welford was a loving and devoted hunsband, father, brother, uncle and friend. Welford greeted everyone with a smile , hug or his famous words " doll baby". He was a good neighbor and friend that was always willing to lend a helping hand. Welford was a man of gret faith and during his illness he never complained or asked the question "why me". He just said that he was holding on to God's unchanging hand. Even when he was waiting to go to surgery, he told all of his loved ones surrounded around him don't cry for me because I am ready to meet my master and go to heaven. He held strong to his belief, trust, faith and love for the Lord until the end of his life.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted and loving wife of 51 years, Evelyn; a son Weldon Jackson, Jr.; two daughter, Shyrel Anderson (James), Ashland, VA; Michelle Waller, Kilmarnock, VA;one grandson Randy Anderson, Richmond, Va.; one brother, John E. Jackson (Ann Lee)of Aylett, VA; three sisters, Bertha Cheeks of Washington, DC., Doris Robinson and Maxine Jackson of Aylett, VA one aunt Annie Green of Richmond, VA; four sister-in-law; Matilda Hence of Ashland, VA; Mary Jackson, Gertrude Gaines of Aylett, VA and Annie Mae Jackson of Petersburg, VA, Sally Fauntleroy and Sharon Williams whom he thought of as his daughters and Charles Robinson, whom he thought of as a son, a host of devoted nieces, one devoted great niece, Sharnell Jackson, devoted nephews, cousins, church family and many devoted friends among them William Hence.