Services will be 11 am Thursday June 1,2023, at Crestwood Chapel, for Mr.  Jack R. Gilson who was Born July 20, 1936 in Bourbon, Mississippi to Willie James, and Cora Winters Jack was the 2nd youngest of 4 kids born to that union. His sister Mattie, and brothers Willie James and Willie Lawrence.
After graduating high school in 1953 Jack joined the Michigan State Army National Guard. During this time Jack met the love of his life, Lillie Mae Harper, and soon they wed on August 3, 1955. With that union they had 6 children. Darrell, Jack Jr., Roslyn, Ann, Jerrold (Jerry), and Brian.
Jack and Lillie moved from Detroit, Michigan to Chicago, Illinois in the late 50's. Jack first started driving a Taxi in the Chicagoland area to support his growing family. After working the long hours of a Taxi Driver, Jack was hired at Reynolds Aluminum, in McCook, Illinois. Jack stayed with Reynolds Aluminum until his retirement in the summer of 1999.
In 1963 Jack, and Lillie purchased their first home on 115th and Peoria St. Where they raised all of their children, until they all graduated from High School. They moved to Country Club Hills, Illinois in the mid 80s, and then they returned to Detroit, Michigan in 2000.
In 2002 they moved to Gadsden, Alabama to enjoy their retired life. Jack was preceded in death by his beautiful bride of 59 years Lillie Mae (Harper) Gilson. Jack was also preceded in death by his parents Willie James Sr, and Cora. By his brothers Willie James Jr., Willie Lawrence, and his sister Mattie. Jack was also preceded in death by his children, Jack Jr., Ann, Darrell, Brian, and his Son in Law Sylvester Jones
Jack is survived by his Children, Roslyn, and Jerrold (Jerry). Daughter in laws, (Darrell) Denise, and Sandra. (Brian) Brenda. (Jerry) Rae Ann, and Sharee. Jack had 14 Grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren, and 6 Great Great Grandchildren. Kids; Darrell (Sandra, and Denise), Jack Jr. Roslyn (Sylvester Jones), Ann, Jerrold ( Rae Ann), and Brian (Brenda) Grandkids; 16 Greats 14 Great Great 4
And various Nieces and Nephews Michigan National Guide, Taxi Driver, 40 years at Reynolds Aluminum in McCook ,IL. Until his retirement in 1999.
The family will receive friends at Crestwood funeral home Thursday from 10 am until the time of service.