John Zackery

Celebrating the Life of John Aaron Zackery

June 9, 1932 – November 29, 2024

John Aaron Zackery was born on June 9, 1932, to the late Herbert and Odessie Burnell Zackery in Rosston, Arkansas. He was the second of six children. On November 29, 2024, John made his peaceful transition at home, surrounded by his loving family.

John grew up in Rosston, Arkansas, where he attended Oak Grove Public School. At an early age, he accepted Christ and joined Mt. Vernon AME Church in the Rosston community. As a young man, John left Arkansas in search of better opportunities up North. After some time, he returned briefly to Rosston before settling in Rockford, Illinois, in the mid-1950s.

In Rockford, John met Ynobie Box, who would later become his beloved wife. On November 30, 1957, they were united in Holy Matrimony. This union was blessed with two children, Yvonne and Curtis Zackery. John also gained two stepdaughters, Clara and Tonja Box, and from his first marriage, he welcomed two sons, John Jr. and Hershey Zackery.

John was a devoted member of Allen Chapel AME Church, where he served faithfully until his health declined. He sang in the Male Chorus and participated in the church’s popular Annual Pancake Days. John worked at Greenlee Corporation for 28 years until its closure, and he later worked at St. Anskar’s Episcopal Church for 10 years.

John was a man of many interests and talents. He enjoyed hobbies such as hunting, fishing, and gardening. A true entrepreneur, he became well-known for selling BBQ, greens, fish, squirrels, and coons.  John also loved watching sports, playing cards, and competing in domino games with his friends. One of his greatest joys was sharing his love of fishing with his great-grandchildren, Malcolm Box and Rayven Gray.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Odessie Burnell Zackery; his wife, Ynobie Zackery; his sons, John Zackery Jr. and Hershey Zackery; his daughter, Tonja Box; his sister, Dorothy Zackery; and his brother, Herbert Zackery Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory:

• Daughters: Yvonne Zackery and Clara Box of Rockford, Illinois

• Son: Curtis Zackery of Rockford, Illinois

• Grandchildren: Sabrina, Troy, and Clarina Box; Jerrell Zackery; Tyshaun Zackery-Davis; Jay and Lavell Zackery

• Sisters: Queen Yarbrough of Rosston, AR; Sarah Hewitt of Kalamazoo, MI; Hazel Zackery of Novi, MI

• Special nephew: Henry (Glendean) Zackery

• Bonus son: Otha Maxie

• Several great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

John lived a full life marked by faith, family, and hard work. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and treasured memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.