Mr. Wendell Jackson, 78, of Heidrick, passed away Monday morning, September 29, 2025 at the Barbourville ARH Hospital. He was born April 3, 1947 in Heidrick, the son of the late Lester and Birdie Longworth Jackson.
Wendell’s greatest joy in life was loving Jesus and being married to his beloved bride, Joann, for 58 wonderful years. If you knew Wendell, chances are you had a conversation with him that ended with him telling you about his greatest friend and Savior, Jesus Christ. He never missed an opportunity to pray with those in need — right on the spot — and would continue praying until he saw you again.
One of Wendell’s favorite passages was Psalm 91:1-2: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in Him will I trust.”
Wendell was a faithful churchgoer and loved attending revivals and gospel singings. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family and friends, cherishing each moment together. He dedicated 29 years of his career as a Medical Lab Technician at Baptist Health Corbin, where he was also known for his lighthearted spirit and playful pranks. His coworkers, his “work family”, knew to check his locker for an endless supply of Little Debbie cakes. Prior to his time at Baptist Health, he worked for seven years in the lab at Barbourville ARH. Wendell was also an avid UK basketball fan.
Wendell’s love, laughter and unwavering faith left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Today, he is whole and walking the streets of gold, reunited with loved ones and basking in the presence of the Savior he loved so dearly. If Wendell could speak to you today, he would remind you that Jesus never let him down, forgave him always and gave him peace beyond understanding. And he would lovingly invite you to ask Jesus into your heart to receive that same peace and forgiveness.
On September 16, 1967, he united in marriage with Joann Mason.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Norma Jean Jackson, Alene Gray, Lois Prichard and Helen Davis; a brother, Harold Jackson; sister-in-law, Lillie Jackson and brothers-in-law, Ralph Gray, Paul Davis, Mike Stevens and Charles Prichard.
Survivors include his loving wife, Joann Jackson of Heidrick; a sister, Zelma Stevens of Heidrick; a special niece, who was like a sister to Wendell, Donna Kay Johnson and husband, Doug, of Clermont, FL; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Sherry and Patrick Noss of Paducah; among other loved ones and dear friends who will cherish his memory.
His funeral service will be conducted at the Barbourville Church of God Saturday, October 4 at 11 A.M. with Rev. Sylvester Dunn and Rev. Samuel Lawson officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Tuggle Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be family and friends.
Friends may visit at the church Friday between 6 and 8 P.M. and Saturday after 10 A.M. until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of WENDELL JACKSON.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
