Viewing will be Tuesday, September 22, 2015 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM and the Home Going Celebration will begin at 11:00 AM at Grant A.M.E. Church; 1129 Alamitos Avenue; Long Beach, CA.

Interment will be at Abbey Memorial Park 1515 E. Compton Blvd. Compton, California.


Obituary

Bryant Keith Jackson, affectionately known as "Keith" to his family members and "K.J" to his friends, was born on June 6, 1967 in Long Beach California. After spending his childhood years in San Diego, California, Keith moved with his family back to Long Beach and attended schools in the Long Beach Unified School District.

Keith began training on the trumpet at Stephens Junior High in 1980. By his freshman year of high school, Keith was a featured trumpet player with the Long Beach Junior Concert Band, touring throughout California, and playing for crowds at the Pasadena New Year's Day Rose Parade. Back in his hometown, Keith entertained his peers during football games as a lead trumpeter for Long Beach Polytechnic High School Marching Band. He was known as the "Screamer" for his bold and shrill style of horn playing. Keith was a proud jackrabbit and graduated from Poly High in 1985.

After a brief employment stint with Disneyland, Keith further developed his musical talents as an arranger and rapper with the Funkhouse Crew. One of the highlights of his career was the group's performance at the Hollywood nightclub, Carlos and Charlie's where he dedicated the song, "Rock Steady Baby," to his mother, Eunice Jackson.

Keith was known for his hilarious sense of humor, impersonating celebrities and family members alike with his spot on impressions and razor-sharp wit. Keith maintained a serious allegiance, however, with the Texas Cowboys football team and was an avid fan. Keith adorned his car and his home with Texas Cowboy regalia, sticking by his beloved Cowboys through triumphs and defeat on the football field. His strong affection and persistent love extended to his nieces, Candice (Candy) Savone, Taitu Abbyssinia Negus, and Tovah Omolewah Negus, as well as his nephews Faquir Ibn Muhammad, Alula Adid Negus, Gihon Mesfin Negus, Alem Matanah Negus, Alijah Ali'i Tupua, and Jacob Kalani Tupua.

Keith is survived by his parents, Cleophis and Eunice Jackson; his brothers Corey Jackson, Ivan Kevin Jackson, and Steven Karl Jackson; sisters Tanya Kim Cooper and Sonya Karen Jackson; Uncle Tony Cooper, and Aunt Hilda Cooper; cousin caregivers Shari and Wayne Scott; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.