Gilbert Jackson

Gilbert Jackson, Sr. was one of nine children born to the union of Bill and Ella Mae Jackson on June 1, 1933, in Arkansas. As a child he gave his life to Christ in Denwood, Arkansas and in his early twenties Gilbert moved to Chicago, IL where he worked numerous jobs in the restaurant industry.

In 1974, he met and fell in love with Rosie Arnold who will forever be known as Bae. In a union that lasted 45 years they created a beautiful, blended family. and many cherished memories until her death in 2019. After years of service, he retired from

Thomas’s Restaurant in 2002 and relocated to Las Vegas in 2008. At 91 years old he departed this life on January 5, 2025. Gilbert will never be forgotten. He will be remembered as an avid walker who would bring home interesting things he found along his way, a voracious eater who loved food, westerns, and the blues – especially Green Onions by Booker T and the M.G.’s. Always an impeccable dresser, he will be remembered for his love of rings and an impressive hat collection—never missing a moment to look his best, he was known to even wear his finest hats just to take out the trash. He also had a great love for a good cup of coffee, a love that he has passed on to his children and grandchildren.

He is joined in Heaven by his parents, beloved wife, siblings, son Gilbert Jackson, Jr, and grandsons Deonta, Frederick, Jr. and Anthony. He leaves to cherish his memory his sisters—Emma, Henrietta, and Viola, children—Dinah, Cassandra (Demond), George (Mia), Evelyn (Renard), Fredrick (Michelle), Alicia, & Felicia, 25 grandkids, 36 great-grandkids, and a host of family and friends who loved him.