One of the most incredible blessings of my life has been the relationship that I have had with my maternal grandfather, Willie Jackson, Sr. It has taken me a few weeks to be able to write this tribute because my feelings are still tender. My wonderful grandfather passed away on February 5, 2008. It was difficult for me to accept the fact that when I go home to Georgia to visit, he will not be sitting in his rocking chair on the front porch waiting to give me an update on politics and the facts of life. As my wife and I, along with our three children, made the journey from Utah to Georgia for the funeral, we reflected on his impact on our lives. Bubba was a dedicated man. He was a faithful husband to my grandmother for over 63 years. The Institute of Families and Relationships would not be functioning without his support and vision. I witnessed him support my grandmother during her political career. He was present for the most important events in my life, and I feel honored to be numbered among his grandchildren. So, as I pay tribute to this driving force behind our great work, I say to all who were blessed to call him grandfather: George, Jeffery, Renee, Sterling, Michael, Christopher, Kennon, Anthony, Daphane, Kim, Charlotte, Dion, Lette, Leah, Eric, Dexter, and Rodney, we have been loved and lead by a giant among men, and we have a responsibility to rise to the challenge to be great men and women. To the world who never knew him, you will come to know him through the work of this great Institute.
J. Tekulve Martial-Vann, M.S., MFTI, CFLE
Institute of Families & Relationships
jtmartial-vann@vanninstitute.org
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