Earl Russell (Livingston)

Jackson, Sr.

New Iberia – In humble submission to the will of God, the Jackson family announces the peaceful and triumphant transition of Mr. Earl Russell (Livingston) Jackson, Sr., who entered eternal rest at the age of 76 on Monday, September 28, 2026. Mr. Jackson was a lifelong resident of New Iberia, Louisiana, whose life was marked by faith, family, and community. He will be lovingly remembered by all who knew and cherished him.

A service to celebrate Mr. Earl's life will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 414 Weeks Street, New Iberia, LA, Pastor Trent Davis, officiant.

Earl R. (Livingston) Jackson, Sr. was born on Thursday, February 16th, 1950. He departed his earthly life on Monday, September 28th, 2026, at the age of seventy-six.

At an early age, Earl accepted Christ and was a member of their family’s church, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in New Iberia, LA. He was baptized at the age of eight by his pastor, Rev. Harrison M. Jones; he was a very faithful member- active in Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church youth choir and later the Mt. Calvary’s men’s choir. It was in these choirs where many heard his beautiful tenor voice for the first time. After these vocal experiences, Earl would go on to share his rich vocal abilities, talent/gift with those in New Iberia and the surrounding areas, as he was a part of several men’s quartet groups where he sang some of the most melodic vocal parts and solos heard to date. Curtis Mayfield was surely his vocal inspiration and favorite male vocalist. Earl was a graduate of Jonas Henderson High School in 1968. It was here where he showed off his athletic abilities by playing football, and his vocal abilities by way of his joining the Glee Club. During this time, Earl was also a community sports advocate; he joined and became a vital part of the The Sheriff League of Iberia Parish Baseball Team. He was said to be an avid pitcher, traveling across the state and as a result, winning many awards and trophies along the way.

He continued his education by matriculating into Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. It was here that he continued in his love of, and interest in, playing baseball.

Upon his return to New Iberia, Earl married and started his family. He was a dedicated worker for many years at the Diamond Crystal Salt Mind. After leaving the salt mind, Earl used his gifted hands to join with others in building and remodeling homes around Iberia Parish; his love and expertise in landscaping was second to none.

Earl was known among his family and friends as one of the Best Dressed Men of the area. He has been described as the quintessential man who strode the streets in his best attire, smelling of the best colognes, seemingly looking as though he always had somewhere interesting to go.

All who knew Earl, knew that he loved and enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, working, and would often only speak when he felt the urge to share something of value. He loved celebrating milestones and was joyful when recalling memories concerning all of his children and grand-children. One thing he never wanted was for his family to worry about him. His words, “Baby, please don’t worry about me; go and live and enjoy your life. That is what God gave to you directly from him…time to enjoy your life.”

Earl was preceded in death by his parents: Mae Ruth Jackson Simon & Willie D.“T-Dud” Livingston; two children: Amber Jackson Benoit & Katrina Rankin; one grandson: Marcus Alexis; one grand-daughter, Breatia Youman; three sisters: Betty Simon Scott, Anna Lois Simon, & Deborah “Debra” Livingston Broussard; four brothers: McArthur Livingston, Allender Livingston, Kenneth Livingston, & Randy Livingston; father-in-law, James K. Polk, mother-in-law, Louise C. Polk; and many other cherished loved ones.

Earl leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Jane M. Polk Jackson; six daughters: Tiffanie Jackson, Angel (Derix) J. Paloade, Sr., Snellville, GA, Bridgette (Jonah) J. Linzer, Sr., Kami Jackson Conyers, GA, Renata Jackson, and Sloan R. Jackson Moses; four sons: Earl R. Jackson, Jr., Houston, TX, Marcus R.(Andrea) Rankin, Pembroke, GA, Jamal C. Rankin, Sr., and Eric D. Rankin; one son-in-law: Brandon Benoit, Humble, TX; eighteen grandchildren.; one sister: Carolyn Livingston Pierre; one brother: Ronald Livingston; three sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-lawand a host of other dear family members & beautiful friends.

Earl will be forever remembered for his quiet love of his family, his great gifts & talents, his love of the Dallas Cowboys & Westerns, & for his distinguished dressing abilities that has surely made a lasting impression on all who knew him and would watch him as he… strode on by.

The family may be greeted at 10:00AM Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church until the time of service.

The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to the compassionate professionals of Davis Family Mortuary, 802 Weldon Street, New Iberia, LA. and 1302-A Main Street, Patterson, LA.