Mr. Eli Jackson's Obituary
Born unto this world by the name of Eli Jackson, however, the name which he preferred to be called by all was "Keno" or "Wayout Keno". Keno was born on February 27, 1939, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Keno was born out of the loving union of his father Joby Jackson and mother Novella Jackson-Smittie as the second child of nine children. Keno moved to Los Angeles, California at the ripe young age of nineteen years old and made Los Angeles his home. Keno would travel back to his home state of Arkansas frequently to visit family and friends.
Keno was a professional gambler by trade and was proud of it. Keno was known for his flamboyant flare and would light up any room that he entered. Keno was very generous to all of his family and friends and he was truly known as a living legend by numerous people. Keno was a very kind-hearted and lovable individual. There was never a person to meet him and not like or love him immediately. Keno left a lasting impression wherever he went and people still recount fondly of his remarkable tales and exploits. When Keno was up, he spread joy around, but when he was down, he didn't come around. We wish this wasn't so because we loved being around him no matter how big his bankroll was.
Keno was preceded in death by his parents Joby Jackson and Novella Jack-son-Smittie; his stepfather, John Henry Smittie, his two sisters Naomi Ruth Brown "Ruby Jewel" and Iolla Gray "Baby Sister" and a brother William Ralph Jackson. Keno leaves behind his sons Keno Jackson, daughter-in-law Gale, his two grand-children Sebastian Keno, and Santana Croix Keno all of Ontario, California and Bobby Brimmer Jackson of Inglewood, California. One daughter: Cyrina Brimmer of Inglewood, California. Three brothers: Carne! Jackson of Los Angeles, California; Leonard "Flap" Jackson and Eddie Lee Jackson of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Two sisters: Jettie Mae Coleman Wisemon and Wanda Williams both of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Three sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and other friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Eli?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eli?
Share a story where Eli's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eli you’ll never forget.
How did Eli make you smile?
