Mr. Michael V. Jackson, age 62 and a resident of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, "left this life" on Tuesday morning, December 6, 2011 from the Jack C. Montgomery Veterans Administration Medical Center in Muskogee.

On March 10, 1949, in Oklahoma City, Jumbo and Elizabeth Jackson were blessed with the arrival of their 11th child, Michael Vay Jackson. Michael was raised in the Tallehassee community of Seminole, Ok. He attended Lima Elementary School and graduated from New Lima High School. At an early age, Michael accepted Christ and later was baptized at St. Matthews Baptist Church under the late, Reverend Freddie Griffis, Sr.


After graduation from high school, Michael was drafted into the U. S. Army where he served four years with distinction in the Vietnam conflict in which he was a Purple Heart recipient. He married Marty Tolbert in 1968 and to this union two children were born. He obtained employment at Wrangler in Seminole, OK, where he and his family lived. This marriage ended in divorce.


Later, Michael continued his education at Seminole JUCO, where he studied Music Appreciation, and the writing of his song "He Was the Son of God" was produced. He worked several jobs during the next few years; Oakridge Nursing Home (Wewoka), roofing for a major company, Sun Oil Company (Seminole), and several other jobs during his time in Seminole.


Michael moved to California and lived in the Los Angeles area for several years. Eventually, he returned to Wewoka because of his mother's health. After his mother's death, he moved to Tulsa OK but later returned home. He united in fellowship with the St. Mark Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Charles A. Webb, Sr. He served the church as a Sunday School teacher until he moved to Tulsa. During this time he began to attend New Joy Fellowship Ministry under the leadership of Pastor Jerone Roland. There he met his life partner, Min. Carol W. Williams. The two were joined in marriage on June 29, 2002. Michael often said, "I asked the Lord to give me patience, and He sent me Sis. Carol!!!" (this was followed by the Michael laugh).


His love for fishing would often result in the community being fed. His yearly excursions to Florida to go and get "his" boat from his fishing buddy, pal, friend, and brother - Leroy Jones, would be something he would talk about to anyone who was willing listen. If you seemed interested, he would show you pictures! Once or twice he'd rope the unsuspecting in to watch his video debut on the Pensacola gulf.


Having listened to the voice of God and accepting his calling, Minister Michael Jackson was licensed to preach by Pastor Jerone Roland the first Sunday of March, 2004. He has served New Joy as; Bus driver, Associate minister, Sunday School Teacher, Audio/Visual technician, and Choir Member. After Pastor Roland left New Joy, his faithful service continued under the leadership of Pastor Richard L. Forney as; Seniors Minister, Leader of the "Friendship Tribe", and the official "Paw-Paw" of the church. Minister Michael was a worshipper who loved the Lord and you could see it in his praise!

He genuinely loved people and never met a stranger who he would not turn into a friend. If you said to him, "I love you", his response would always be "I love you more"!


Both of Michael's parents, five (5) brothers, and four (4) sisters preceded him in death. He leaves to celebrate his life; his wife Carol, of the home; 3 daughters, Mona Kaystine Highline (Charles) and Maronica "Nana" Alicia Parker (Stephen), both of Grand Junction CO, Miesha Mitchell (Ryan), Upland CA; one son, Sean Whitten, Fresno CA; 3 step-daughters, Janeen Stephens, Davon (Will) House, and Chalae (Ronnie) Traylor all of Oklahoma City OK; 12 grandchildren; Noah, Leah, Nina, Jaylen, Josalynn, Patience, Cierra, Serino, Christian, Rheya, Aaron, and Jaden aka "Boogie"; mother (in-law) Rebecca Stephens, Spencer OK; 4 sisters, Lillie (Leon) Taft, Oklahoma City OK , Edna Williams, Del City OK, Evelyn Brooks, Spencer OK, and Celesta Webb, Holdenville OK; 2 brothers-in-law, Ronald Stephens, Houston TX, David Stephens, Oklahoma City OK; 5 sisters-in-law, Linda (Kenny) Ramsey, Virginia Stephens and Christi (MJ) Dailey, Denver CO, Cheryl (Bruce) Stephens, and Felecia (Jerry) Malloy, San Antonio TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted sons and daughters, and friends.

The Hour of Tribute will commence on Saturday morning, December 10, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. in the New Joy Fellowship Church in Tulsa. Pastor Richard Forney will officiate. Burial will follow in the Westwood Cemetery at Wewoka, Oklahoma.

You may visit Minister Jackson, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the Funeral Home in Tulsa on Friday from 12 Noon until 10 AM.