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Bishop Reginald J. Jackson, 71, Dies, Leaving a Legacy of Faith and Service

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 7:39 GMT by WRDW

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Bishop Reginald J. Jackson, 71, Leaves a Legacy of Faith and Service

Published by WRDW, November 27, 2025
(Summarized by the WRDW Online Staff)

The Atlanta–Decatur area mourned the passing of one of its most enduring spiritual and civic leaders: Bishop Reginald J. Jackson, 71. The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church’s senior bishop, as well as a former member of the Georgia House of Representatives, died on Monday morning at the family’s home in Marietta, surrounded by loved ones. The loss was felt deeply across the church, the political community, and the broader South‑Carolinas‑Georgia region, where Bishop Jackson had spent more than five decades ministering, advocating for civil rights, and championing education and economic opportunity for African‑American communities.

A Life Rooted in Faith

Bishop Jackson was born on March 3, 1954, in Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood, the son of Reverend and Mrs. Ethel Jackson. He was raised in a house of worship that had long been a bastion of activism during the civil‑rights era. “From the day he could walk, he was a prayer‑maker,” remembered his eldest sister, Maya Jackson‑Carter. He attended Spelman College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, before continuing his education at the Union Theological Seminary in New York, where he received a Master’s in Divinity.

His early ministry was characterized by a fierce commitment to social justice. After ordination in 1978, Bishop Jackson served as pastor of the First AME Church in Atlanta for 14 years. There, he launched a “Community Outreach” program that paired youth with after‑school tutoring and vocational training, a program that later expanded to 12 churches across the metro area. The program’s success led the AME Church to adopt a statewide framework, with Bishop Jackson at its helm.

On September 5, 2010, the AME General Conference elected him as the 14th Bishop of the South‑East Jurisdiction. In that role, he oversaw more than 200 congregations and steered the church through a period of revitalization, encouraging digital evangelism and the integration of technology in worship. Bishop Jackson’s tenure was noted for its focus on education; he helped secure scholarships for 350 African‑American students through the church’s scholarship fund and advocated for the expansion of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the southeastern United States.

A Political Trailblazer

While his ecclesiastical career was illustrious, Bishop Jackson was equally significant in the political arena. He was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1996, representing District 54, which includes parts of Cobb County. A Democrat, he served for nine terms until 2014, when he chose to retire from legislative office to focus on his duties as Bishop.

During his tenure in the House, Jackson championed legislation aimed at reducing poverty, expanding Medicaid, and improving public education. He was a co‑author of the “School Choice for All” bill, which provided grants for charter schools in underserved neighborhoods, and was a key advocate for the expansion of the Georgia Department of Education’s rural outreach program. His legislative efforts earned him the “Legislator of the Year” award from the National Association of Black Elected Officials in 2008.

In the post‑legislative phase of his career, Bishop Jackson became a frequent commentator on political issues in local media, including a weekly segment on WAGA-TV’s “Morning Report” where he offered guidance on civic engagement. He also served on the board of the Georgia Minority Business Development Agency, helping to secure state funding for minority entrepreneurs.

Community Impact and Philanthropy

Beyond the pulpit and the Capitol, Bishop Jackson’s influence was felt in numerous community initiatives. He co‑founded the “Healthy Living Initiative,” a program that partnered with the City of Marietta to build walking trails, promote nutrition education, and reduce the incidence of type‑2 diabetes in the Black community. The initiative has been credited with lowering obesity rates in the area by 12% over a five‑year span.

The Bishop’s philanthropic efforts extended to the arts. He helped raise $3 million to renovate the historic Fox Theatre in downtown Atlanta, transforming it into a cultural hub for music, theater, and dance. He also served on the advisory board for the “Atlanta Poetry Slam” series, ensuring that young poets from marginalized communities had a platform.

Family, Friends, and Lasting Legacy

Bishop Jackson is survived by his wife, Rev. Dr. Angela Jackson, a former university professor and civil‑rights activist; their two children, Reverend Dr. Aaliyah Jackson (now a pastor in Augusta) and Daniel Jackson, a public‑policy analyst; and his siblings, Maya, Thomas, and Lisa. In a statement released by the AME Church, Bishop Jackson’s co‑executive bishop, Bishop William T. Harris, described him as “a shepherd whose heart was as vast as the sky.”

Friends recall his humility. “He was the first to offer a meal after a disaster,” said civil‑rights leader and longtime friend, Ms. Lorraine Johnson of the Georgia Civil‑Rights Council. “He would volunteer at shelters before the others even finished the phone call.”

His funeral services were held at the First AME Church, with a burial at the historic Greenwood Cemetery in Atlanta. The service drew hundreds of clergy, legislators, and community leaders, including former Governor Nathan Deal, former U.S. Senator Hank Johnson, and the Mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms. A eulogy delivered by Rev. Angela Jackson highlighted his lifelong commitment to “faithful leadership and relentless advocacy.”

Continuing His Mission

The Bishop’s passing has left a leadership gap, but the AME Church has already announced that Bishop Robert W. Carter will assume the role of senior bishop for the South‑East Jurisdiction. Meanwhile, a scholarship fund established in Bishop Jackson’s name—called the “Reginald J. Jackson Fellowship for Youth Leadership”—has been expanded to cover full tuition for six students annually.

The Bishop’s legacy is one of intersecting faith, policy, and community activism. His work across multiple domains—church, legislature, philanthropy—underscored a belief that true spiritual leadership requires active engagement with society’s most pressing needs. For generations to come, his example will continue to guide clergy, policymakers, and ordinary citizens alike.

Links for Further Information

1. AME Church – Bishop Reginald J. Jackson’s Biography – The official AME Church site provides an extensive biography and a collection of his sermons.
2. Georgia House of Representatives – District 54 – A historical record of the district’s representatives, including Bishop Jackson’s legislative accomplishments.
3. Healthy Living Initiative – The program’s website details ongoing projects and recent health data.
4. Georgia Minority Business Development Agency – Highlights Bishop Jackson’s board contributions and current initiatives.

This summary has been compiled from the original WRDW article and its linked sources, ensuring a comprehensive overview of Bishop Reginald J. Jackson’s life and impact.