Don L Jackson

Don L Jackson was born on March 22, 1958, to Sam Cook and Geneva Jackson, In

Chicago, Illinois. Donnie, as he was affectionately known, graduated from Julius Hayes

Hess Upper Grade Center and attended Farragut High School.

Donnie confessed a belief in Christ at an early age. He was baptized at Friendship

Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. Shelvin Jerome Hall. Donnie was an

active member at Friendship in his early years. He served on the usher board and in the

youth choir having his chance at STARdom leading a song with his cousin Sylvester

“We are Soldiers” aka I Am a Warrior.

Donnie continued that found joy of God and music when he joined New Birth Missionary

Baptist Cathedral in Saginaw Michigan, singing in the men's choir under the leadership

of Bishop Larry Camel.

Growing up and even into his later years, Donnie was known as Mr. Fix it by his family

and friends as he was known to repair, build or duct tape Anything!!! He would get the

JOB done! Is that where the name DUCK came from?! Donnie took that gift of fixing

things and turned it into a career working for the Chicago Board of Education for over 15

years, while attending trading school for electrical, plumbing and construction. Donnie

loved taking his son to work with him and making him do all the mopping while he took

multiple lunch breaks! He was so smooth at it! Donnie also loved spending a long hot

summer day fishing with his wife and brother-in-law.

On September 8, 2011, Donnie was united in Holy Matrimony to Monnie Lee Buford.

Donnie was a kind, generous, loving and caring person. He loved to laugh and be

around family and have a good time. You can always count on DJ Smooth to make it a

good time.

Donnie departed this life on Thursday, June 19th, 2025. He is preceded in death by his

father Sam Cook and loving wife Monnie Buford Jackson.

Donnie leaves to cherish his memory: His mother, Geneva Jackson of Chicago; Five

children Adrian Strong (Chicago), Dongina Knight (Matteson), Dontaye (Michal Kyser)

Williams Sr (Chicago), Jessica Jackson (Bourbonnais), and Dontae Jackson (Joliet).

Six stepchildren Danny Buford, Theresa Buford, Latonya Buford, Sonya Buford, Eulla

Buford, Sean Buford. Thirty-three grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Two sisters

Jeanette Jackson (Chicago) and Carmalissa Jackson (Chicago); An aunt: Sylvia Jackson.

And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who love and miss him dearly

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