Rufus Lee Jackson

Elder Rufus Lee Jackson, 59, of Providence went home to be with the Lord on Sunday September 18, 2022 he was surrounded by his loving family.

Words that best describe him: he loved God, his family, his church family. Rufus loved music and singing, and giving to others. He enjoyed cooking and serving meals to family and friends.  In spite of his medical challenges and illness, he was energetic and full of life. Rufus had a magnetic personality; wherever he went sunshine followed him and the atmosphere changed. 

Rufus was a talented, anointed singer, voice teacher and choir director. He was so passionate about it, that he organized several groups, and ensembles in every ministry where he served.  

He ministered at Shiloh Church, he was a member of Abundant Grace Church, in Boston Massachusetts, under the leadership of Pastor Livingston Foxworth prior to moving to Rhode Island. He was also a member and choir director at Hood Memorial AME Zion Church in RI.  He sang with the group Vision, who also had a prison ministry at the ACI. He also worked as a MC at the House of Blues. 

Elder Rufus sang with Freda Battle and Mark Reddick & Company and the Providence Mass Choir. He organized and directed the Providence Chorale, the group minister in song throughout the United States. 

He was a performer in the 1980’s stag play, “Mama I want to sing”.

Every Christmas holiday, Rufus would minister to patients at the Steere House Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, the Bannister House Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, and the Bethany Home of Rhode Island.

He was a faithful member and ordained elder at the Shekinah Family Worship Center Providence R. I. for 14 years. He also served as the Worship leader and mentor.  Elder Rufus served with love and honor as an advisor on the “Clergy Council.”  He offered an invaluable wealth of wisdom for the pastorate and the church family. God used him to teach us how to live a life that pleases God. Elder Jackson led and coordinated the King St. Satellite Ministry of the Shekinah Family Worship Center Church. Assisted by Minister Jacqueline Mane`.

Rufus blessed us every Sunday morning during the virtual zoom service and any time he was asked to minster in song or preach the Word, he was always available. Most recently he served as the wrap up coordinator at a book review session for the Next Level Ministry Preparation Class. He encouraged the presenters to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind. And to pursue the next level of their divine assignment because their destiny is the most important accomplishment that God is requiring of them. 

Rufus will be missed by everyone that knew and was touched by his life. No one can ever replace him. 

His memory is cherished by his loving mother Ruthie Barfield, sister Dana Mention, Niece Kiera Brown, and Nephew Travarius Howard, as well as extended family members, spiritual sons and daughters, nieces and nephew and a host of friends, neighbors and co laborers in the gospel that are too many to list.  We all loved him dearly, and will forever hold him in our hearts, 

Rufus no more pain, no more dialysis, rest in the Peace of God!!  

The burial will be a private ceremony.

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