Norman Jackson, Sr.

NORMAN CALVIN JACKSON, SR., “TOMMY,” was born on March 30,1952 in Winterpock, Virginia to the late Rev. John A. Jackson and Mary Elliott Jackson.

He was the eighth of ten children. He was preceded in death by his brothers John Edward Jackson and Thomas J. Jackson.
Norman was educated in Chesterfield County Public Schools, integrating Grange Hall School after the Brown vs. Board of Education decision. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1970, where he earned several wrestling titles, and went on to attend Virginia Commonwealth University on an academic scholarship, majoring in biology, while continuing to wrestle. After retiring from a 30-year career as a chemist at Philip Morris, he and his wife, Shirley, unknowingly founded the beloved “Gaga and Papa School.” His grandchildren, nieces, and the children of family friends thrived in an environment filled with daily snuggles and learning under Papa’s loving care.

From an early age, Norman loved God, praising and worshiping Him, especially when singing in the choir. He lived his faith daily, showing kindness and offering a helping hand to those in need through both quiet gestures and selfless acts.

Nicknamed “the professor” by Ashley and TJ’s friends, Norman was a fierce “Jeopardy” competitor at home, especially in geography, history, and science. He had an endless love for learning, and as a father, he instilled hard work and persistence in his children—even making them read the encyclopedia for “fun” during summer breaks.
Norman had a lifelong passion for cars, from classic models to NASCAR and drag racing. He also loved watching black-and-white westerns and had an appreciation for travel, visiting several countries throughout his life. Fluent in Spanish, he also liked to try out his limited Chinese, German, and Japanese when he met native speakers.
Above all, Norman was known for his selflessness, always putting others first. He was the go-to person for anything—car troubles, moving help, or problem-solving. Whether you called him Husband, Daddy, Papa, Father-in-law, Uncle, Brother, Cousin, or Friend, he was always there, ready to lend a hand without hesitation.

For Norman, family meant everything. Raised in a home where love was at the core, he carried those values with him into his own life. His guiding principle was clear: love God, love your family, and always treat others with kindness.

Norman will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Norman leaves precious and fond memories to his wife, Shirley Lawrence Jackson, of 48 years; son, Norman C. Jackson, Jr./“TJ” (Tanesha); daughter, Ashley Jackson Hewlett (Ricky); granddaughters, Greylyn, Brennan, and Ryann; brother, James Jackson (Dorothy); sisters, Mary Jones, Nancy Parker (Carrington), Sarah Gregory (Ruffin), Linda Cole, Ester Harris, and Annette Clanton; step-father-in-law, William Threatt, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.