Vance K. Jackson

Vance Kevin Jackson, age 64, passed away on August 25, 2025, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. He was born on February 25, 1961, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Rochelle B. Jackson and the late Willie James Jackson. Vance was educated in the Detroit Public Schools and graduated with a high school diploma in 1979. Immediately after graduation, he completed a heavy repair mechanic training program, which led to a position as a bus mechanic with the City of Detroit Department of Transportation. With this job, and just as he promised, Vance was able to marry the love of his life, Christine Skinner, in 1982. From this union came four handsome sons and three beautiful daughters. Vance loved being a husband and father. He delighted in celebrating birthdays, holidays, family cookouts, playing softball, and traveling with his family. He especially enjoyed taking his children to places that would broaden their perspectives; from city board meetings to art galleries and historic sites such as former slave plantations. Vance returned to school and earned an associate degree from Wayne County Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Marygrove College, and a master’s degree from Lawrence Technological University. These accomplishments paved the way for a new career with the Federal Government. A firm believer in the power of education, Vance encouraged and guided his wife and children to pursue learning at some of the nation’s most prestigious schools and universities, including Bates Academy, Cass Technical High School, Mumford High School, Detroit Country Day School, Wayne County Community College, the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Central Michigan University, Wayne State University, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, the University of California–Los Angeles, and Harvard University. A man of deep faith, Vance served as a minister at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, assisting in prayers, baptisms, and charitable outreach ministries. Vance was preceded in death by his father, Willie James Jackson; his brothers, Willie Orlando Jackson and Marlon Keith Jackson; and his sister, Ronda Lynn Jackson Whitfield. He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Christine Jackson; his sons, Vance Jr. (Nina), Mekale (Aisha), Brandon (Antoinette), and Daniel; his daughters, Vanneece, Rochelle, and Christie; and his eight cherished grandchildren, Vance III, Zoë, Kennedy, Kingston, Kruz, Marcel, Gabrielle, and Jonathan. He is also survived by his mother, Rochelle B. Jackson; his sister, Patrice Jackson-Peoples (Jerome); and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. During his final days, Vance shared with his wife the powerful words of the Apostle Paul: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.