Dwight's Journey

I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.

A light shined on May 3, 1956, when Dwight Mason, to many known as "Ballroom Jack," was born to the late Floyd Mason Sr. and Susie Mae Holmes Mason in Detroit, Michigan. Dwight was the 11th of 12 children born. His parents, 10 brothers & sisters, and a granddaughter preceded him in death: Mary Holmes, Deortha Holmes, Charles Holmes Lawrence, Thomas James Lawrence, Carl Holmes, Anthony Holmes, Veorttis Holmes, Billy Holmes, Floyd Mason Jr, and Freddy Mason, and granddaughter Paige Walker. He gave his life to the church and accepted Christ at an early age. He attended the Gospel of the Kingdom under the late Bishop Michael William Duren.

Dwight grew up on the West side of Detroit, where he was the family patriarch. Dwight went to Northwestern High School.  After graduation from Northwestern High School, he worked at the Royal Banana Company and was a maintenance technician. Still, his true passion was dancing, working all day, then he danced all night at different clubs. He met Rodney Mack at Club Introvest; Rodney gave him the name "Disco Jack."  Jack asked, "why do you call me Disco Jack? I like to ballroom." So Rodney said, "I'll call you "Ballroom Jack," and the rest is history.

Diamond from the Diamond Shaft, along with Mike and Delang (currently New Jazz Swingers), hired Jack in 1988 to teach ballroom, bop, and Latin hustle lessons. Soon after being hired, he began hosting their popular Sunday night after-hours jazz dance sessions from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. He was a member of the Elk's social club, other memorable clubs he attended: Al's Olympia Loung, Reggie's, the 20 Grand, Jovonne's, Club International, Mr. Magic, Juanita's, Delaye's, The Sting, Purple Passion, UBQ, Fire Water, Paradise, and Yesterday's.

Jack had a vision and, in 1995, to put a group together to give black-tie affairs, dinner dances, and social events. "Gentleman Unlimited" was created.  The group included Jack and Reuben Collier. Later they added Detroit Dan and renamed the group "RJ&DD Unlimited."  They were the "Originators of the Escorts," men designated to ask the ladies to dance at their cabarets and dedicated themselves to giving classy affairs that catered to the mature crowd.

Jack also received several awards for his contribution to teaching the art of dance from United We Dance, Dance Masters, Club Yesterdays, and the City of Detroit.

It was not uncommon for Jack to attend several dance events in one night to give his support and enjoy his love of dance. He enjoyed traveling, spending time with his children, talking on the phone, always giving advice, encouragement, and support. He was always ready to provide a helping hand, send a prayer, and say, "I love you."

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his loving and devoted wife Terri,  9 children: Stelena Richards, Falischa Walker-Bush (Corey), Angel Reed (Palmer Jr.), Gwenetta Bright, Dorthia Hollins, Dwight Mason Jr., Tre'Von Mason, Shlinda Hardrick, Floyd Hardrick, and to all whom he loved, cared for and treated as his children, 1 sister Teretha Holmes (Sam), 20 grandchildren Di'mond, Devin, Darius, Arriyoun, Palmer III, Makenzie, Cristian, Mia, Virgil, Sean, Cruz, Domonique, Kyle, Rasheed, Jordyn, Miah, Armani, Jaralie, Antonio, Floyd Jr., 1 great-grandchild: Jade, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and numerous life long friends.

Order of Service

Celebrating the Life of Mr. Ballroom Jack

Forever In Our Hearts

Processional  .......................................................................................... The Mason Family 

Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 .................................................................. Palmer Reed

Prayer ......................................................................................... Pastor Michael C. Robinson 

Acknowledgment of Cards, Telegrams, & Remarks .....................(please keep to under 2 minutes) 

Reading of the Obituary ........................................................................................ Sharon Ray

Eulogy ........................................................................................... Pastor Michael C. Robinson

Recessional .........................................................................................................................

Expressions of Love

 God Only Takes The Best

God saw that you were getting tired, and a cure was not to be. He put His arms around you and whispered, "Come home with me." With tearful eyes, we watched you fade away. Although we loved you, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, and a determined spirit at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

Jack was my friend, husband, top supporter, chef, and made me laugh. I will always remember and miss his big smile and infectious laugh. He was a teacher and instructor of many of our prominent and current dance instructors, but he did not brag about it. He would say, "I can teach anyone to ballroom dance with two records, let me show you, just try it, and after, the lady would look at him with a big smile and excited voice and say, "look, I'm ballroom dancing."

You will be truly missed.

Your wife, Terri

To My Brother,

Your heart was so big. You always gave us you're all.

I will miss you more than words can express. I love you. 

Your Sister, Teretha Holmes 

My Brother Jack

You went away so suddenly

We didn't say goodbye.

But brothers can never be parted.

Precious memories never die.

It gives me comfort to know that God has you now. 

You are his angel now- my brother.

I love you so much, but God loved you more. 

Your sis, Carol

Dad, You will always be My 1st Love.

Stelena

Dad,

It truly broke our hearts to know you're gone; we know that God called a loving man home. We find comfort in knowing your pain and suffering is now gone. The tears we cry are for the memories shared and the impact you had on us. Thank you for always loving everyone you touched, never leaving anyone behind, giving your best and trying hard, for being there for so many people, and trying to take care of everyone. Thank you for providing a positive word, checking in on us, trying to do right, and correct any wrongs. You accepted people for who they were and where they were. You celebrated our success and encouraged us when we were down. We remember the family brunches and dinners, visiting friend's homes, motorcycle rides, Dance Lessons, birthday parties, late nights out, pictures taken, dance lines, cruises, and friends.  Most of all, we remember your SMILE and Loving Embrace. We remember You.

Love: Angel, Palmer, Palmer III, Makenzie, Cristian, & Mia 

A father like you just can't be replaced! My heart is heavy.  I am smiling because I envision you dancing up there, twisting and turning with all of our relatives. Heaven has truly gained an Angel.

You will be missed and always loved. 

Love, Nettie

We'll always remember your special smile, caring heart, and warm embrace you always gave us through good and bad times. You always made sacrifices to make sure we had the very best, and we love you so much for that. We look at your life as a gift from God. Now that he wants you back, we have no right to complain as much as it hurts. We love you, dad!

Shlinda (Jaralie, Antonio), Floyd (Floyd Jr.), and Little Jack (Jordyn, Miah, Armani).  

To my uncle Jack. I will always remember you taught me karate and how to ballroom. I will always cherish those memories in my heart. God called you home, but you will never be forgotten. Love your More.

Your Neice Net

My Dear Cousin, I will miss you so much. I remember when we were in our teen years, you played the drums and bass guitar. I was your biggest groupie. We would tear the ballroom floor up. You would tell me whose leading me or you. The last time we talked, we said that we loved each other.

Rest in peace my dear cousin.

Gail 

To our brother-in-law, one of the sweetest and respectable men we knew. We love you.

Your Family, Fattie, Glenda, Linda, Boatwright 

I grew up with an angel, my uncle Jack. You were born an angel. I'm going to miss you. 

Love Fee

Acknowledgments 

The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern, and kindness shown to them during this hour of bereavement. May God Bless and Keep You.