Charlie was born January 21, 1923 in Union Town, Alabama. He served his country as a naval seaman during World War II, and later graduated with a Bachelor's in Education from Alabama State University. He moved to Ypsilanti Michigan to attend University of Michigan’s School of Social Work graduate program. Charlie was a public servant for most of his career, working for Wayne County as a social worker, and later for Washtenaw County initially as juvenile probation officer, and later as the Acting Director of Washtenaw County Juvenile Detention Center. Charlie joined Second Baptist Church and served as a Trustee under former Pastor, Rev.B T Hopkins. In 1968, he relocated his family to Decatur, Illinois, where he served as the Director of Human and Community Relations for the city of Decatur, bringing together the community during the turbulent times of the 1960’s. He retired from the city in 1978, and then pursued a second career in insurance. He worked for Prudential Insurance, and later started his own independent insurance agency with American Family Insurance. Charlie was active in the community. During earlier years in Ypsilanti, Charlie was a member of the Frontiers, Club, a founding Member of University of Michigan Omega Phi Psi Fraternity graduate Chapter, a co-founder of the Emanon club in Ypsilanti, and a Ypsilanti City Council member. In Decatur, illinois he chartered an Emanon Club chapter that is still thriving to this day. He was past president of the Breakfast Optimist Club; a lifetime NAACP member; Council of Community Services board member , 1970-75; South Central Illinois Health Planning Council , secretary; area health planning council, member; Decatur Boy’s Club, past president; Decatur Township Trustee.
Reba was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on January 10, 1933 to James Frierson and Osceola Barfield Frierson, their second eldest. James and Osceola moved their young family to Ypsilanti Michigan in search of better opportunities, where the family thrived and grew and were active members of Messias Temple. Reba graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1951 and went on to acquire a Bachelor's of Science degree from Michigan State Normal College, and received her Master’s of Education degree from Eastern Michigan College. Reba was a dedicated and prepared teacher. In Ypsilanti, she taught at Perry, Erikson, and Fletcher elementary schools. In Decatur, she taught at Stevenson and Enterprise elementary schools. Reba was honored in 1989 for being a teacher of excellence, in Decatur. When she retired and moved backed to Ypsilanti, she continued to serve the community through volunteer work. She was instrumental in getting the charter for Victory Academy and served as the President of the board of directors. She also organized an after school program at Second Baptist Church. Reba was involved in various organizations. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Palm Leaf Club, The Links and the Progressive Club (past president). After retirement, she also volunteered at the Ypsilanti Thrift Shop.
Charlie Jackson past away on June 19, 2017, at age of 94, and his beloved wife, Reba Jean Jackson, followed him into eternity on July 7, of the same year, at age of 84. Their love for one another was only magnified by their love for education and their community. The idea of creating a scholarship fund in their name has always been a desire by their family for some time. In the summer of 2017, the siblings, Judith Ann Jackson and Charles Patrick Thomas Jackson contacted the Ann Arbor Community Foundation. With the help of some seed contributions, the Reba and Charlie Jackson fund was created. The Goal of the Scholarship is to financially support Washtenaw County students in continuing their college education. So whether you are a Washtenaw Student looking for a Scholarship, or individual who wishes to help fund a student- look at the Reba and Charlie Jackson Scholarship Fund!!