Celebrating the Life

Of

Donald Lee Ackerson

July 26, 1958 – April 14,2021

Donald Lee Ackerson was born July 26, 1958 as a twin in St Louis, Missouri, to the union of Elihue Ackerson Sr. and Marion Ackerson (Westmoreland). His parents and twin brother, Ronald Lee Ackerson, preceded him in death.

Donald went to Beaumont High School for a couple of years, then moved to Country Club Hills, IL (near Chicago) to live with his sister, Brenda Cherry, and brother-in-law, George Cherry, who also preceded him in death. He graduated from Hillcrest High School, Country Club Hills, IL, in 1977. Donald served in the Army for six years. He was employed at PAC-ONE for 13 years, then went to Lincoln/SKF until becoming disabled. Donald was a hard worker, enjoyed being around his coworkers at SKF, and took great pride in being a union representative. He married Alesia Cotton on July 4, 2001, with that union came two step-daughters, Felesia and Tiffany.

Donald appreciated the social life. He loved taking his wife, Lisa, out on the town to bop. I can hear him saying now, “Baby you ready”. He enjoyed cars, his hats and loved to dress up whenever he stepped out on the town. He loved to BBQ and invite family and friends over. Donald was a good provider. Donald loved, loved his family. He was always so happy when the family got together. He truly loved whenever his sister, Brenda (Chicago, IL), and brother, Elihue Jr. (Indianapolis, IN), visited from out of town. Donald loved his friends as well and they loved him. Donald loved going back to his old neighborhood to visit neighbors and friends he grew up with.

After many years of battling his illness, Donald departed this life on April 14, 2021. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Lisa; two daughters, Felesia and Tiffany; aunt sister, Theresa Westmoreland; sister, Brenda Cherry; two brothers, Elihue Jr. (Charlotte) and Damon Ackerson; sister-in-law, Yolonda Chillers, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and many friends.

A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at 10:30 am, Friday, April 30, 2021. Due to Covid-19 Safety Restrictions, attendees are required to wear masks and social distance. If there are more than 30 people in attendance, some may be asked to remain in their vehicles. Individuals who are sick or not feeling well should not attend the service.

Expression of Love

There are not enough words to express our love. Thank you, Dad, for everything.

With Love, Peaches and Tiff

Tribute to my brother from another mother

A golden heart has stopped beating, a hardworking man finally at rest. It breaks my heart to see you go but God only takes the best. In Life I loved you dearly and in death I love you still. In my heart you will forever have a place no one can fill. I thank God he made you my brother from another mother. Rest in Peace my friend, I’m sure we will meet again.

Your other little brother,

Richard

Inspirational

Psalms 40: 1, 2, 3 KJV

I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my foot upon a rock, and established my goings. He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.

Kevin

Taylor Family Tribute

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord

God is so awesome and good to each and every one of us. The Taylor family is pleased because one of God’s plans was for the Ackerson family to move to Highland Avenue over 50 years ago. There were twins in the family, and one of them was Donald. It is amazing how Donald made friends with every person on the block. He never met a stranger.

We were blessed because Donald became our brother. He came over one day and never left. Our parents loved him and counted him in for dinner many days. He had a permanent seat at our table. His parents taught him to be kind and generous which made him likable. Donald had a good heart. We spent many summer nights sitting on our porch laughing, talking and just wishing for air conditioning. For the girls in our family, he was our protector. He never minded being the only man in the group or walking us to the store. He said it brought his stock up.

Donald was seriously a GQ-man of fashion Whether it was a walking suit or his famous matching short sets, Donald was always dressed to the nines. You never saw him without a crease in his pants, a pressed shirt and that matching hat. His car was the longest and cleanest on the block. He would even clean our cars. He took pride in everything he did. We called him Rimp Stimp. He was in a class all by himself, an old soul. Donald was described by the grandchildren of the Taylor family as being a “Real Cool Cat”. They all loved Donald.

The only thing that Donald loved more than a pair of gators or Stacy Adams shoes was his wife, Lisa. During their wedding ceremony, Donald said “I Do” three times before it was time to do so. Lisa was indeed his soulmate.

Whatever Donald did, he was the best. He believed he was the “King of the BBQ pit”. My dad had a lot of laughs because he knew he was the King and not Donald. He would say to Donald, “Son, keep trying”. We loved Donald. We absolutely know that God placed him in our lives for a reason and a season. Our family has been blessed.

Our parents believed in an old wives’ tale that on New Year’s Day, the first person to enter your home must be a man. Donald knew about the old wives’ tale and took that assignment each New Year’s Day for over 40 years. Donald would show up with White Castles in one hand and a bowl of black eye peas in the other. Oh, how we loved Donald! He was our other brother. After our dad passed, Donald would visit with our mom for hours. She would light up just knowing Donald was coming to see her. When he married Lisa, Lisa was adopted into the family as well. We loved Lisa because she loved Donald and in turn loved us as his family.

We cannot not recall a major event in our lives that did not include Donald. Our friends and family all knew Donald as our family. Early on, we would sometimes argue about who was closest to Donald. We all decided that he was our brother, and our love for Donald was equal. The thought of Donald not being in our lives is difficult. No matter the need or want, Donald was always there for us. Even when times became difficult for him.

Six years ago, Donald again received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Donald, in his later years, would ask for prayers and knew his healing was in Jesus. Now he is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There is no more pain or suffering. The mark Donald left on our hearts is etched in pure gold. Good and Faithful Servant job well done. Say hello to our parents and we know even from Heaven you are still protecting us.

We Love You,

The Taylor Family

Bettie Taylor Calvert

John W. Taylor, III

Vicki Taylor Edwards

Stacy Taylor Edwards

Acknowledgement

The family of Donald Lee Ackerson wishes to express their sincere appreciation for your prayers, cards, florals and other expressions of condolences, sympathy, and love during their bereavement. We shall remain forever grateful to each of you for your kindness.