Walter Lee Jackson was born on January 28, 1948, in Benevolence, Georgia. Walter was the beloved son of the late Arzie Jackson Sr. and Lilla Mae (Knighton). He was the youngest son of seven children, having three brothers, Arzie Jr., Mac Clinton (Clinton), and John (Red), and sisters, Doris, Mary Helen, and Annie Clem. Walter, the cherished youngest of seven siblings, embraced his large family with an open heart. He treated his nieces and nephews not just as relatives but as close siblings, fostering a bond of love and camaraderie that transcended generations.

Walter graduated from Westside High School in Newark, NJ. After graduating high school, he attended Hampton University, where he had ambitions of becoming a physician. He continued his college studies and graduated from the prestigious Howard University in Washington, D.C., with a degree in Business. While at Howard University, he was a member of the singing group “New Perspective,” whose first song was “Stone Outta My Head.”

Walter married the love of his life, Aleta (née Days), on November 3, 1973. Together, they raised two wonderful children: Rasheeda and Walter Raheem. Walter was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, cherishing every moment spent with his family, including his four fantastic grandsons, Cameron, Kieren, Ryan, and Jamir.

Professionally, Walter embarked on his accounting career at Allied Chemical, then Bell Atlantic, before eventually becoming a mortgage broker. He was a dedicated loan officer, passionate about helping families fulfill their dreams of home ownership.

Beyond his professional achievements, Walter was an avid gardener, a talented amateur photographer, and a tennis enthusiast. His love of travel and fine food exposed him and his family to various experiences, cultures, and countries. In multiple ways, Walter was a true perfectionist. His attire was always immaculate, with each piece of clothing carefully selected and meticulously pressed. When it came to food, he had a discerning palate and insisted that the right utensil went with the right food. During the holidays, you could always find Walter making one of his decadent N.Y.-style cheesecakes. His writing reflected his meticulous nature as well, with each word chosen with care and every sentence crafted to perfection. Although he could be stern and stoic, his kindness, humor, and generosity touched the lives of many.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Lilla Mae (Knighton) and Arzie Jackson Sr.; his brothers, Arzie Jr., Mac Clinton (Clinton), and John (Red); and sisters, Doris and Annie Clem; brothers-in-law, Willie C. and Lavel. Walter is survived by his wife, Aleta; his children, Rasheeda (Kevin) and Walter Raheem; his grandchildren, Cameron Kobe, Kieren Corey, Ryan Jordan, and Jamir Rashon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Walter will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love and dedication will continue to inspire us.