Shirley May Harris Jackson, age 90, died early Monday, January 28, 2019, after a short illness. Mrs. Jackson was born in Branson, Missouri to Gladys Holderby Harris and Lt. Col. Robert Lee Harris. Her childhood homes spanned the coasts from New Jersey to California. She had four siblings, Mary Williams, Robert Harris, Martha Schanafelt and Pat Gwinn. Shirley attended college at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Nazareth College in Kentucky, and took graduate courses at Alabama A&M.
Shirley wed and is survived by the Reverend Dr. John Jackson of Tyronza, Arizona on January 29, 1950. They are parents of four children, Dr. Don Jackson (Viodelda), Lynn Peterson (the late Kevin Peterson), Sally Franks (Scott) and Dr. Scott Jackson (Susan). She leaves nine grandchildren, John Franks (Ashley), Curtis Daniel Franks (Lydia), Lindsay Peterson Borst, Erik Peterson, Robert, David and Anna Jackson, and Alex and Emily Jackson. She leaves eight great-grandchildren, Julian Franks, Diggory Borst, Hinda, Yisroel, Perl, Sura, Duvid, and Anshel Franks.
Shirley was involved in many civic and service organizations. She was passionately involved as a Sunday school teacher at several churches which her husband served. She was active in multiple women’s organizations throughout her life, beginning as the President of the Independent Women’s Social Group on the campus of the University of Arkansas in 1948, and later as an active member of the Pilot Club in Florence.
Shirley’s passions included parenthood, “Camp Grandma,” and teaching elementary students for over 20 years. She was known for her love of children, exemplified by her support of children’s programs at the YMCA of the Shoals.
Her adventurous spirit knew no bounds, as she pursued any opportunity to travel and learn about history and nature. Later in life, she especially enjoyed amateur bird watching.
Shirley loved to write stories and poetry, and was well-known during her teaching years for having her students write autobiographies.
For many years following her retirement, she was an enthusiastic member of the YMCA. Several of their children’s programs benefited from Shirley’s contributions. This past April, she was celebrated on her 90th birthday as a special member.
In early 2018, she and her husband John moved to the assisted living facility Brookdale (Muscle Shoals), where she became everyone’s sweetheart and one of their biggest advocates.
The family would like to thank the staff of Brookdale Shoals and North Alabama Hospice for their love and care of our mother.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the children’s program at the YMCA of the Shoals.
Visitation will be at Elkins Funeral Home, Florence, Saturday, February 2nd 5 to 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Florence, Sunday, February 3rd at 2 p.m. Interment will follow in Greenview Memorial Park.
You’re invited to leave online condolences at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com.
