A Legacy Shaped by Service
“I am saddened about the passing of Bishop Reginald Jackson. Before he was elevated in the church, he was a pivotal figure in Essex County, the leader of St. Matthew AME Church in Orange and a champion of civil rights and justice. The Bishop was never afraid to speak his mind and was not afraid to take a stand for what he believed in. He was a great friend and someone I relied on for guidance and advice. My codependences go out to his family.”
–Essex County Executive, Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr.
In 2024, after completing two terms in Atlanta, Bishop Jackson transitioned to a new chapter in his ministry. He was assigned to the A.M.E. Church’s Second District, a region that includes Maryland, Virginia, western North Carolina, and the District of Columbia.
The move marked a significant milestone in his leadership journey, reflecting both the church’s confidence in him and the depth of his pastoral experience. It also placed him in a district rich with history and diverse congregational needs.
Bishop Jackson’s personal life was marked by seasons of change and resilience. His first marriage, to Carol Balentine, ultimately ended in divorce, but the two shared a meaningful chapter of life and faith.
In 2004, he married Christy Davis, a dynamic political and community leader. Davis had overseen Jon S. Corzine’s successful Democratic campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2000, establishing a reputation for effectiveness and strategic brilliance.
Beyond politics, Christy Davis devoted her later years to service within the A.M.E. Church. She worked as a district supervisor for the Women’s Missionary Society, deepening her commitment to public service and spiritual care.
Her passing in 2024 was a profound loss for Bishop Jackson, their family, and the communities she touched. Her influence remained evident in the many lives she helped guide.
Bishop Jackson’s family continued to be a source of grounding and pride. He is survived by a daughter from his first marriage and a son from his second marriage, Seth. His brothers — Charles, Everett, and Melvin — also remain part of his legacy.
His commitment to civic engagement was shaped early. When The New York Times asked him in 1996 why mobilizing voters mattered so deeply to him, he recalled running for student council president in high school.
The school had 2,000 students, and 400 were Black. Jackson, the only Black candidate, lost the election by just eight votes — a narrow defeat that stayed with him.
Later, he learned that 20 Black students had not voted. “I still get livid when I think of that,” he said, a memory that fueled his lifelong dedication to ensuring every voice — and every vote — counts.
