Gerald R. Jackson

Gerald Ray Jackson, born on October 18, 1977, in Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024, in Richmond, Virginia, at the age of 46 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Gerald was the son of Darlene and Mose A. Jackson Jr. During his formative years, he was raised by his father and fraternal grandmother, Dorothy M. Jackson, in Little Rock. From an early age, Gerald's natural talent for music was evident. He began piano lessons at age 4, and his musical abilities quickly blossomed. In his youth, he moved with his father and siblings to Millington, Tennessee, where, at the age of 11, he became the lead pianist and choir director at First Baptist Church.

In 1996, Gerald graduated from Thomas Dale High School in Chester, Virginia, where he was a versatile member of the school band, playing various instruments, including the piano. He continued his musical journey as a music major at Virginia Union University, where he became the lead pianist for the Virginia Union Concert Choir under the direction of Shelia Tate. Gerald met Tracee Thomas at an audition in 1997, and they married in 2001. Before their relationship ended, they had two daughters, Kieran Charee and Victoria Elysse, who share their parents' love for music and creativity. While in college, Gerald also became a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Gerald's career in music flourished as he toured with the Virginia Union Concert Choir, the Virginia State Mass Choir, the Richmond Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), and other musical groups. He became the music director for the Richmond Chapter of the GMWA, where, in 2009, he presented his original composition, "Like That," with the GMWA Youth Choir. In his lifetime, he had the opportunity to meet and work with some of his favorite gospel music legends, including Twinkie Clark, Kurt Carr, and Daryl Coley, whom he greatly admired. 

Gerald served as Minister of Music at several churches in Richmond, including Metropolitan African American Baptist Church, New Kingdom Christian Ministries, and Union Branch Baptist Church. He was also a dedicated music educator, imparting his knowledge to students in the public school system. He also founded his own music publishing company, Divinityworks. Gerald's incredible talent for composing spanned across genres, from gospel to classical music, and he contributed to local theater productions, including those at Dogwood Dell in Richmond, VA.

A gifted concert pianist, vocal coach, workshop clinician, and music educator, Gerald's 35 years of experience leading choirs and coordinating music programs touched many lives.

Gerald was preceded in death by his mother, Darlene Gill-Jackson; his grandparents, Mose A. Jackson Sr. and Dorothy M. Jackson; his great-grandfather, Roy Williams; and his uncles, Aris Jackson, Kirby Jackson, and Ronald L. Stewart Sr.

He leaves behind his beloved daughters, Kieran Charee and Victoria Elysse; his father, Mose A. Jackson Jr.; his siblings, LaToya Jackson and Mose Arell Jackson III ("Three"); and many nephews, nieces, extended family, and ministry peers. 

A Memorial service will be held 1 pm Friday, October 18,2024 at Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary Street, Richmond, VA.

The family is receiving services of comfort from Wilson & Associates Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA.