Rufus Edward Jackson Memorial Program

. Rufus E. Jackson was born June 9, 1956, and departed
this life peacefully on September 4, 2020, at McCleod
Regional Medical Center in Florence, South Carolina.
Rufus was born in Latta, South Carolina to Mr. Wallie
Jackson, Jr. and Mrs. Sallie Mae Jackson, whereunto this union
was born Larone, Larry, Cleveland, Rufus, and Barbara (Ann).
Rufus Edward Jackson
1956-2020
costume-character work then led him to be hired as the costumed
mascot of the NBA team, the Houston Rockets. While
living in Houston, Rufus taught Jazz Dance at various studios
in and around the Houston area. Choreographing for Tops In
Blue, the entertainment leg of the United States Air Force, was
another creative position that living in Texas afforded him.
Rufus was born with the natural ability to entertain, bringing
laughter and joy to those around him. He knew at an early
age that he was gifted to entertain. With his trademark laugh,
smile, and that one-of-a-kind “set of ears,” he was truly UN-
FORGETTABLE.
After graduating high school, Rufus decided to pursue his
dreams and passions by moving to New York City, where his
talents awarded him a very competitive scholarship to the
venerable Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. After completion
of his studies, he successfully landed a position with Ailey
(II) Company, Alvin Ailey’s junior company, which serves as a
bridge between The Ailey School and the professional dance
world. His work with Alvin Ailey readied him for an amazing
career in the entertainment industry. Rufus first performed on
Broadway, in the 1979 musical “Timbuktu,” starring Eartha
Kitt, and then on to the 1980 musical, “Your Arms Too Short To
Box With God,” starring Patti LaBelle and Al Green. He also
performed in several off-Broadway productions, including the
jazz musical revue “Ragtime.” He often challenged himself and
took advantage of as many talent competitions that presented
themselves. Among many competition successes, he was delighted
to win first place in one of many New York City Hustle
Dance Couple Champion with his dance partner and friend,
Debbie Robinson.
In addition to dancing, Rufus had a passion for singing; thus,
after touring on Broadway, his vocal talent later opened many
doors for him to include the opportunity to sing background
vocals for Patti LaBelle on a few choice occasions. His vocal
talent also led him to land a contract with Pavillion/Epic Records
with the group Fantasy. Fantasy was an urban pop vocal
group based in New York City that scored several top dance hits
with an impressive five-week reign at the top of the Billboard
Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. The group had a numberone
dance hit in the United States and also reached the top 30
on the Soul Singles chart. Rufus was the featured vocalist on
two of the group’s albums. Traveling with this group took them
around the world. The popularity of Fantasy also landed them
on a TV show in Paris, France, and also the hit show Dance
Fever in the United States.
Rufus also performed and toured with the company Sesame
Street Live, where he played a life-size version of the children’s
favorite, The Count. This production was very popular and
was presented throughout many large arenas nationwide. This
In 1995, Rufus landed a role in the movie “Ace Ventura - When
Nature Calls,” starring Jim Carrey, where he was a feature-player
as a member of the fictional Wachati tribe.
Throughout his career, he performed extensive freelance work
as a ballet, tap, and jazz instructor and choreographer. Most
notably, he had an amazing knack for teaching children. There
was something about him that brought out their very best.
While residing in San Antonio, Texas, Rufus’ lifelong passion
and career suddenly came to an abrupt end after a car accident
and traumatic brain injury, which left him with cognitive and
physical disabilities. His survival and recovery were described
by medical science as nothing short a miracle. After several
months of rehabilitation and intensive therapy, he was able to
travel back to South Carolina, where he lived for the past 20-
plus years.
In addition to his parents, Rufus was preceded in death by his
brothers Larone and Cleveland and siblings Samuel Moultrie,
Lucinda Livingston, and Larry McMillan.
Rufus leaves to cherish his fond memories: his brother Larry
(Sally) Jackson of Latta, South Carolina and sister Barbara
( Johnny) Bethea of Clarksville, Tennessee; a loving Sister-in-
Law, Brenda Jackson, who was devoted to his hands-on care
throughout his entire illness; a niece Philana Jackson, with
whom he lived with for an extended period-of-time, during
which she was also very instrumental in his care and wellbeing.
Rufus will be dearly missed by a host of nieces and nephews,
Quanda, Larone, Jr., Philana, Lashandra (Michael), Sharonda,
Larone III, Kameo, Jayla, Jairus, Darius “DJ,” Zaya, Ava and
Kannon all of Florence South Carolina; Lamar (Heather) and
Laylani Lowery and Jessica Bethea of Clarksville, Tennessee.
Rufus also leaves behind siblings; Margaret Williamson, Hazel
Maiden, Angie Brown-Owens, Debra Porter, Wallace Brown,
Leon DeBerry; a very special aunt, Emma (Russ) Osborne of
Buffalo, New York; an honorary mother, Mrs. Fannie Belin;
and dedicated long-distance friends: Kenneth Robeson, Earl
Haylock, Carolyn Edwards, and Mona Lisa Montgomery – who
all have remained in contact throughout his illness and have
been a tremendous support to the family. He also leaves a host
of other special nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, classmates,
and friends.