Jackson & Williams Family take over the Windy City

Reunion sign

The 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 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.

(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.

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 some relatives went to the mall while others chose to relax until the it was time to prepare for the Prom.

Prom King Clifford Smith and Queen Clara Smith start their dance.

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, Clara Smith of Flint, Michigan, my mother- and father-in-law … were crowned, followed by a special dance for the newly crowned royalty. Best Dressed Female and Best Dressed Male were also announced. It was a beautiful night and the food and the ambiance were top notch. After a long day and late night, Saturday was a free day, so we could sleep in late!

Saturday we could enjoy Navy Pier, shopping, excursions, movies, a ferris wheel, relax, catch a White Sox game or visit with family. Saturday night, the family went to Tommy’s Place (a Sports Bar) for an Adult Mixer. A special area was set up for the family where light appetizers and drinks were served. It was a night of fun and dancing minus the little ones.

The weekend seemed to fly by very quickly. Sunday after breakfast, and checking out of the hotel, we headed to a family reunion picnic at Wicker Memorial Park in Highland, Indiana.

The picnic menu included barbeque, corn on the cob, spaghetti, baked beans, green beans, potato and pasta salads. After the picnic, everyone hugged and said their “I love you’s” and goodbyes.

Francia and Larry Talton

What started as a tradition in many African American families seems to be slowly fading away. Nowadays many families only get together when there is a funeral. It is so important that not only the adults stay connected but also so the children will know one another, their family history, and where they come from. I’m truly glad to see the Jackson & Williams reunions are still going strong. Even though they may not have a huge reunion every year, the children of Willie Sr. and Lodenia Jackson still meet every Labor Day in different states to carry on the family legacy that was left to them. Plans are in the works for the next reunion in Tunica, Mississippi/Memphis,Tennessee.

(This report is in loving memory of DeAndre Mario Jackson who passed away during the reunion.)

Reported by Francia Malone Talton, Flint, Michigan.