May 10, 1941 — April 2, 2017

Willie B. Jackson, 75, of Dowagiac, passed away Sunday April 2, 2017, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

The family will host a memorial gathering at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 8, 2017, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Dowagiac.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Clark Chapel and Cremation Services.

Those wishing to send condolences or sign the guest book online may do so at clarkch.com.

Willie was born May 10, 1941, to the late Eugene and Geneva (Webb) Jackson in Detroit.

On March 26, 1961, he married Oratean Hunt in Detroit.

Willie retired from Bayer Corporation in Elkhart, Indiana, in 2003.

Willie is survived by his wife of 56 years, Oratean; children Danita (Bobby) Hackett, Tony (Ana) Jackson, Kirk (Stephanie) Jackson, Darell Jackson and Cassandra Jackson; three grandchildren; sisters Gladys and Viola; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Eugene, Curtis, Edward, Henry, Johnny and Jimmy, and sisters Lillie and Catherine.

When Willie and his wife, Oratean, first moved away from Detroit, he barbered in the St. Joseph and Benton Harbor areas. In his later years, he frequently encountered past clients. Willie was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1965, and was an elder for more than 45 years. He enjoyed studying the Bible and aiding others in learning more about it. He had an interest in cars, enjoyed playing horseshoes and loved fishing.