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Jackson & Williams Family take over the Windy City
Brunch the following day was at Shepherd’s Community Church Fellowship Hall. The food was awesome everything from grits, made-to-order waffles to chicken strips, spring rolls and everything in between. As brunch came to a close, 14-year old cousin Taya Brown, read a heartfelt poem, about the purpose of family and a testimony was shared by cousin Yolandra Knowles. Both brought most of us to tears. After the brunch
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he Jackson & Williams story began in the South with Willie Jackson, Sr. and Lodenia Williams. They met in Louisiana, married and lived in Clayton, Mississippi, for a time, then called Tunica, Mississippi, home. They had 10 children, seven of whom survive. Clara the oldest was first to leave Tunica. She migrated to Flint, Michigan, with her baby girl and husband, who shortly began working at General Motors. Three more siblings moved to Flint, while two migrated to Chicago and four children remained in the South with their parents. After the passing of both parents, the siblings remained closer than ever. A 2017 reunion was held in Flint while the 2019 reunion was in Chicago. When we received the reunion letter last fall, from the Chicago family, there was mention of a Prom. I loved the idea because I‘d never heard of a family reunion with a Prom. As the reunion approached, we were especially anticipating Prom Night. It would be different, exciting, and a chance to dress in formal attire. Also, a King and Queen would be crowned. Finally, reunion weekend! After checking in to our hotel, we left for the Meet & Greet at Aunt Pearlie Reed’s. The festivities kicked-off with a “Taste of Chicago.” The Chicago family had tickets for each person registered for the reunion. We could get eats/treats ranging from one to four tickets. Chicago Style pizza – four tickets, Submarine sandwiches – three tickets, popcorn – three tickets and chips – one ticket. We also received registration packets with itineraries, maps, t-shirts and ballots to vote for King and Queen of the Prom. The Meet & Greet was saddened by
Reunion sign
news that a relative had just passed away. We had a moment of silence, tears were shed, but in grief, we continued. After a day of mixing, mingling and the news of a loved one passing, this made the reunion, even more special.
Prom King Clifford Smith and Queen Clara Smith start their dance.
(Left) Terrell Reed, his mother Aunt Pearlie Reed and her brother, Terrell Jackson
Children of Willie Sr. and Lodenia Jackson (left to right), Kitty Gray, Pearlie Reed, Clara Smith, Noble Jackson, Walter Jackson, Leroy Jackson and Curtis Jackson. 16 REUNIONS v reunionsmag.com
some relatives went to the mall while others chose to relax until the it was time to prepare for the Prom. Arriving at Martinique Banquets, there was a beautiful marquee photo of Willie Sr. and Lodenia Jackson that read “Jackson & Williams Family Reunion.” There was also a red carpet experience and photographer to take photos. Each adult received a keepsake inscribed reunion tumbler and a corsage or boutonnière before entering the venue. Everything was top notch and you could see a lot of thought and hard work went in to planning the Prom. After dinner, special awards and gifts were presented to each aunt and uncle plus their spouses. The MC, cousin Rhoda Reed-Plummer, asked the family to join hands in a big circle to sing “We Are Family...” by Sister Sledge. Then, the moment we’d all been waiting for … who would be elected King and Queen. Before the King and Queen were announced, Rhoda stated that there was no competition for the king and queen. First the King was announced … Clifford Smith and then, the Queen,
