Donald Lloyd Jackson

Donald Lloyd Jackson "Donnie", 74, of Bala Cynwyd, PA, passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at the Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, PA.

Donald “Donnie” Jackson truly danced to his own tune. Mirrored by his recent favorite artist Andra Day, he maneuvered through life with a freedom we should all aspire to. Donald’s cool, calm and collected disposition was evident with his lifelong passions for yoga and film. Never one for the spotlight, he was often seen with his camcorder hoisted above his right shoulder, proudly capturing every moment. Back in the day, he used his own dark room where he developed his pictures.

Born on August 30, 1944, in West Chester, PA, Donald was the second eldest of five siblings. He attended West Philadelphia High School for Boys where he developed his keen work ethic and was dedicated to the wrestling and gymnastic teams.  In fact, during his senior year of high school, Donald was a member of the only winning city championship gymnastics team the high school ever saw.

Donald’s first job in the field of special education was at Elwyn Institute where he discovered a passion for teaching this underserved population that would fuel his 37-year career in the field. Donald earned two bachelor's Degrees in Education General Science, respectively, from Cheyney University. Donald also earned his Masters's Degree in restorative practices and education from the International Institute for Restorative Practices.  He taught at several inner-city schools including Brooks, University City, and Strawberry Mansion.  At University City Donald pioneered one the first mainstream classes. Due to the success of his classroom, it was used as a model for other schools in Philadelphia to integrate special needs children into the mainstream population.

Donald’s dedication to his students did not go unnoticed. He won several awards including the Lindback Finalists (for outstanding Philadelphia School District teachers) and the Ruth Hayre Award.

Donald continued to impact people’s lives after retiring from the school district in 2014 in addition to doing the things he loved.  Donald divided his time between part-time substitute teaching, traveling the world, and visiting his children and grandchildren, and checking out his favorite artists like Chaka Khan, John Legend (Mayer), Prince and Michael Jackson impersonators, or whoever was playing at the Mann Theatre with friends. Never too far from the fun, Donald truly exemplified living life to the fullest.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Stanley Jackson, father David Luff Jackson, brothers David Luff Jackson, Jr., and Robert Edward Jackson and grandson Ian Christopher McSwain.

He will be forever cherished and remembered by his mother Constance Jackson, four daughters: Donna Lockhart (Dale), Roberta Jackson, Courtney Barksdale Perez (Ricky), Ashley Waffer (Julius) and son Frank Lloyd Stanley Jackson; his sister Constance Ann Hawks (Sidney); his brother Wilbur Edmond Jackson; two sisters-in-law, Linda Stanley and Courtney Ann Muhammed; three granddaughters, Candace Wheeler, Sydney and Savannah Perez; grandsons Calvin (“Trey”) Perez, III, Julian Waffer, and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Always remember to love more, laugh often, and never ever stop living your best life.

A  Memorial Service is scheduled for Sunday, December 9, 2018, at 1:00 PM at Wright Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc, 725 Merchant Street in Coatesville, PA. 

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