Johnie Bright Jackson was born January 22, 1933 in Streetman, Texas to the late Minneola Burks and Johnny B. Bonner. Following the death of his mother in 1933, he and his sister, Ora Belle lived with their grandparents, Ora and Harry Jackson until Harry's death, at which time the family moved to Tulsa to be closer to relatives. When Grandmother Ora died in 1944, Ora Belle and Johnny B. were sent to the Industrial Institute for the Deaf, the Blind, and Orphans (D.B. & O.) in Taft, Oklahoma.
After leaving D.B. & O. , Johnie joined the Army and served 2 overseas tours before being honorably discharged. He was a cross-country truck driver for several decades, transporting freight for Cannon Enterprises, Hugh-Breeding, ABC Trucking, and others. He was an excellent mechanic and loved drag racing while also owning several race cars.
He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Cheryl Faye Mack, Patricia (Stephon) Hall, Arvetta (Keith) Cotton, Margaret Jackson, Kim (Andre) Miller, Lisa Pratt, Curtis (Ajuania) Pratt, Inez Jackson, Johnnie (Nicole) Jackson, Jr., and Joey Jackson; and daughter-in-law Shenia Tillman.
Johnie was also a father figure (surrogate parent) to many, including: Robert Cartwright and Richard Tillman; Carrie, Velma, Pamper, and Maxine (Sugar) Mack; and Lesley, Kenneth, Michael, Randolph, Lowell, Laverne, Revon, and Gloria Pratt.
In addition to his children, and companions, he leaves to cherish his memory his half-sister Mary (Edward) Taylor; 23 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren, along with numerous adopted grand and great grandchildren. Johnie will be sorely missed by the D.B. & O. family; and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, relatives, and friends.
Aside from his parents and grandparents, Johnie was preceded in death by his sons: Johnie, Jr., Michael, sister: Ora Belle, and half-brothers: J.P. Bonner, and Johnny B. Bonner.
Services April 23, 2010, Butler-Stumpff Chapel.
contact Butler-Stumpff Funeral Home & Crematory (918-587-7000).