Willie Frank Jackson

Willie Frank Jackson “Grave Digger” was born to Sweetie Mae and Joseph Jackson on March 29, 1938 in Millbrook, Alabama.  He was the first of three sons.

He confessed Christ at an early age at Bethel AME Church, Ensley.  He later moved from Birmingham to Chicago, IL, Washington, DC and later Fort Washington, Maryland.  After retiring as a foreman from Rapp Construction, he returned to Birmingham and reunited with Bethel Ensley. He served Bethel faithfully until his death.

Frank loved people and never met a stranger.  He loved to travel and was a serious CB’er.  People knew Digger as far away as Jamaica, Australia, Hawaii, Antequera and all across the United States.  His handle was “Grave Digger”.  His sign off was “the last one to let you down 213.

On the morning of July 11th, God called and Frank answered I’m ready.  So he mounted the wings of angels and flew away.

He leaves to cherish his memory:  a loving and devoted wife, Delilah Royster Jackson; a brother, Tommy Lee Davis; Tyrone (deceased); a daughter, Gloria (Joseph) Hall; son, Frank Channon (Shavon) Jackson; three grandchildren, LarDarius, Keith and Chloe; eight great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.

He was abundantly blessed with eight bonus children:  Brenda Fisher (deceased), Sharon Titus, Lynette Royster, Kenneth (Patricia) Royster, Terri (Keith) Hughes, Kelly (Barry) Parker, John (Lynette) Royster and Jeannean Dunn; fourteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren.

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