On October 21, 2023, Dondi Lee Jackson passed away from this mortal life at his home in Manhattan, NY at the age of 67.  Dondi was born in Brooklyn, NY  December 21,1955 to Gladys Merriwether and spent a lot of time with his Grandmother (Alice Lattimer Hilliard), and  Uncle (Richard Lattimer) in Long Island NY who assisted in raising him. He enlisted in the Army at age 18 in 1974 and was stationed in Germany with his Wife for a couple of years. Dondi returned to New York and became an extraordinary Vendor and natural Salesman who was also known as “Dee Money” due to being able to sale anything, anytime, anywhere. A lover of Sports and R&B music and especially a fan of Toni Braxton, Dondi enjoyed music and the old school classics.  His family and friends remembered him as a source of happiness and always a loving presence.  He would always keep you laughing and always had a smile on his face.

     Dondi married the love of his life Gwendolyn (Knox) Jackson in 1973. Later on in life he united with Patricia Valentine and in that union he had a Son Maurice Dondi Valentine. In addition to his beloved Gwendolyn (2013), Dondi was preceded in death by his mother Gladys Merriwether (1957), his brother Timothy (2005), his sister Renee Jackson Royals (2023) and his son Maurice Dondi Valentine (2011). Dondi is survived by his two daughters Tiwana Jackson (NY) and August Maier (NC), Granddaughter- Timia Coleman, Niece- Fyna Smith-Rushing (Nobie), Cousin Cynthia Merriwether-de Vries; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.       

     Dondi was a native New Yorker who experienced the city as a rich and vibrant source of fun and excitement. He was an Officer and a Gentleman and walked this earth as a positive force of energy and was a hard worker. He was a family man and, there was nothing that he would not do for his family and friends.  His loss will be felt deeply by his family, friends, and the Harlem community.

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