It hurts to say, but the King of Pop is gone.

Michael Joseph Jackson would have celebrated his 51st birthday on August 29. As the world mourns his passing, we asked some Qcity residents to reflect on his incredible life and untimely death.

***

Ronda Houston, supervisor: (photo, right)
Absolute devastation. I mean, he’s such a big deal to most people. Me and my cousin, that was the first person who called me, used to go to his concerts together. And so I remember that was my very first time travelling to see him, the Victory Tour. We got to go by ourselves and had a ball. My girlfriend put it the best. She said, ‘It’s like a family member passed away.’ It is.

***

Ian Reid, graphic artist and painter:
“I think that it’s sad that he ended his life so lonely, after having so much potential and bringing beauty to so many people’s lives. It’s a…tragedy.

***

Mary Wright, librarian, 30:
“Oh, it’s sad but evidently his job here is done. So we thank him for his service and wish him well.”

***

Teryl Lane, NASCAR construction worker, 39:
I was just utterly shocked! It was almost like unbelievable. Grew up listening to his music, idolizing him and everything and pretty much, you know, close in age. He was only like 10 years older than me. It’s shocking. No concerts, but I had a jacket.

***

Martha Dixon, cook, 48:
I’ve been weeping and crying all morning. I was shocked, very shocked and crying. Been crying all night long. I know he’s an angel and in heaven and I hope to see him one day on the other side.

***

John R. Wilson, retired, 58:
It really shocked me because I’m just eight years older than he is, and I’ve been knowing him ever since I was a kid in high school. I even got tapes and albums and CDs when they were the Jackson 5, before they ever broke up.

***

Stanley Massey, teacher:
I think it was a very tragic death. One that I didn’t expect this soon, but I’ve been a Michael Jackson fan for many, many, many years. Sorry to see it happen. If it’s God’s will, that’s all I can say. But I think he’s gonna be missed, and I think his music will live on.

***

Yashiba Douglas, beauty consultant, 35:
Pretty much stunned right now. It’s not really sinking in. I haven’t had the time to really look at all the shows and the specials they had. Its’ really a shock right now. I guess, I don’t know, I gotta wait and let it soak in.

Sign up for our Weekly Email Newsletter Email: For Email Marketing you can trust

Other Ways to Share Twitter Del.icio.us MySpace

Discussions and Submission Agreement