Reverend Savannah Jackson
Reverend Savannah M. Jackson was born on December 17, 1952, in Kansas City, Missouri to
Reverend Dr. James Elder, Jr. and Reverend Gloria (Cousins) Elder. On October 4, 2025, at
the age of 72, Reverend Savannah peacefully entered into the Kingdom of Heaven. She was
preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Celeste N. Elder and her brother, James Elder III.
Reverend Savannah’s life was defined by love, laughter and prayer. She was a person who
was full of genuine love and she was one of the most compassionate people you’ll ever meet.
She had the most contagious smile and she always brightened the atmosphere of wherever
she entered. In her professional life, she worked for 32 years at Hewlett Packard (HP) where
she began as a secretary and continued to advance through various jobs in the company’s
local Manufacturing Division, ending her career there as a Marketing Manager. She was
instrumental in originating and organizing the annual Black History Celebration at HP
known as Umoja. When she retired from HP in 2002, she returned to college and received
her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Human Resource
Management from Regis University in 2004. She later received a Master of Arts in Theology
from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Reverend Savannah accepted the Lord at an early age. She loved church and was a prolific
student of the Bible gaining much knowledge from her father, her other pastors and her
attendance to Seminary. She entered into her calling as a Minister back in the early 2000’s
and was licensed in 2006 by Rev. Dr. Elder. As both of her parents were Ministers, as a
preacher she was a unique combination of both of them and it showed as she delivered
thoughtful sermons or taught Bible Study. Reverend Savannah was the first female to be
ordained as a Minister at the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church of Colorado Springs. She
was ordained in 2013 by the current Senior Pastor, Bishop Cleveland A. Thompson. Her
church hugs are legendary and they were wanted by everyone who crossed her path.
Reverend Savannah has been a member of Emmanuel for almost 35 years and has served
tirelessly until her health failed her just a couple of months ago. She began the Bereavement
Ministry and was the Servant Leader for almost 20 years. She has been part of Emmanuel’s
SWAT Prayer Team since it began. She was one of the original members of the Pastors
Partners Ministry. She has been a Sunday School and Bible Study teacher. She initiated
Emmanuel’s effort to join the Angel Tree Project to support the children of incarcerated
persons. She also participated while she could in the Emmanuel Sanctuary, Mass and
Women’s Choirs. Reverend Savannah was truly the epitome of “not growing weary while
well-doing”. While doing all that for God, she still enjoyed going to plays, music, singing
(especially Troy and the Men of Valor Choir), dancing, watching sports and her favorite soap
operas.
Reverend Savannah is survived by her husband, Deacon Troy L. Jackson; Sisters: Elaine R.
Thomas of Colorado Springs, CO; Gloria J. Elder of Denver, CO; Angela R. (Kevan) Chester;
and Betty J. Elder, both of Glen Burnie, MD; Brother, Mr. Jae Elder of Colorado Springs, CO;
Daughters: Savannah R. Hampton of Ferris, TX; and Leslie F. (Wil) Ruiz of Phoenix, AZ Sons:
Myron “Shaun” (Angela) Bradford of Colorado Springs, CO. and Troy Jackson, Jr. of Phoenix,
AZ; Twelve Grandchildren, Four Great-Grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews,
extended family members and a host of other friends and loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the EMBC Love/Benevolence fund in Reverend Savannah’s
name are encouraged and greatly appreciated. You may send your donations to EMBC or
you can donate on the website of Godiswithus.org under the “About Us” dropdown where
you will see “Tithes & Giving”.