Shirley Jean Jackson
1929 – 2023
Shirley Jean Jackson, age 93 of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away May 9th, 2023. A daughter to E.W. and Sarah McCuskey, Shirley was born in Poplar Bluff Arkansas, raised in Miami, Oklahoma, graduated from Miami High School and then attended Lindenwood College for Women in Missouri.
Soon after marrying Carrol Jackson, the Army assigned Carrol to the Occupational Forces in Germany. Shirley followed him over and lived with a German family for nearly two years. After leaving Germany, Shirley and Carrol moved to Houston, Texas and then on to Brownwood, , Texas where they raised their young daughters. Shirley and Carrol then returned to Miami, Oklahoma in the early 60’s Shirley’s after her 59-year-old father died in a tragic car accident so they could be closer to Shirley’s mother. It was a blessing for Shirley, her daughters and her mother as they were all best friends and confidants until her mother’s death at the age of 96.
Shirley had a heart for people and actively served others through volunteer work and then eventually in the work place as the Director of the Miami Senior Citizens Center. She was featured in the Tulsa World Newspaper in December of 1982. The article described Shirley as “The Woman who uses the gift of gab to benefit Senior Citizens”. The photos in the lengthy article highlighted her efforts in the publishing and writing of a quarterly paper called “The Gab”, (the Golden Age Bulletin). This publication had a circulation of over 3,000 with ads from local banks and businesses. Most notable was Shirley’s ability to embrace the writing skills of older residents and their contributions including pictures, stories, poetry and life experiences. Senior adults from surrounding communities also reaped the benefits of her efforts.
While in Miami Shirley also provided assistance to nutrition programs, Meals on Wheels and low income family challenges as well as subsidized living spaces. Her commitment to those she served went well beyond what was expected and her Christian faith continued to lead her in efforts to advocate for those with hardships, disability, lack of resources and much more the rest of her life.
After retirement Shirley and Carrol moved to Edmond, Oklahoma where they continued to volunteer weekly at the OU Hospital and Medical Center and local grade schools. They also became active members of Henderson Hills Baptist Church where Shirley taught a special needs Sunday School class for children with physical and mental challenges. She looked forward to seeing these children more than any other volunteer work she had performed. Shirley and Carrol eventually moved to Copper Lake Independent Living Center now known as Lyndale where they continued to serve others; Shirley through Bible Study, exercise classes and encouraging new residents.
Shirley’s relationships were deep and committed as evidenced by the grace, mercy and support of friends and family during her final months of life. She will be greatly missed by many.
Shirley is survived by three daughters, Sarah Timberlake and her husband Dave, Kim Carter and her husband Randy and Laurie Jackson Prater. Her Grandchildren include Max and Abby Rhodes, Carlie and Andy Gruel, Taylor and Micah White and Jase Carter. Step grandchildren include Bryan and Allison Timberlake and Amy and Bob Crump. Shirley had nine great grandchildren which include Brody and Judah Rhodes, Phoebe Gruel, Navy and Foster White, as well as Reed, Lauren and Sam Timberlake and Jarrett, Megan and Abby Crump. Shirley was also survived by nieces and nephews Scott and Judy Bennett, (their children Sarah, Emily and Kevin), Linda Schmidt (her daughter Katie), Nancy Bennett, and Gary and Chris Bennett (their children Sam, Charles and Daniel).
In lieu of flowers the family would like you to make a donation towards Henderson Hills Baptist Church.
Services will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 5, 2023 at Matthews Funeral Home.
We will be live streaming this service in an effort to accommodate those people that wish to attend but are not able to. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on ‘Videos’, then ‘Live Streams’.
Henderson Hills Baptist Church received a memorial donation for Shirley Jackson from her cousins Jud & Donna Hoffman & Gail & Bill Wilson. We would like to thank the family for this donation.
Dear Sarah, Kim and Laurie,
I am Joanne Charles Leathers the daughter of Mary Jo McCuskey Charles. My mom is your mothers Aunt. She is Walton’s (Mac) sister. Uncle Mac to me. We found out yesterday that Shirley Jean had passed. Her Christmas card was returned and my mom tried to call her but the number was disconnected. I contacted Linda Bennett Schmidt & she informed us of your mom’s passing. We had more contact with Dick & Sarah Jo & their children because we live in Ohio and would get-together. My mom sends her condolence’s. She was very sad to hear of her passing and will truly miss her. My mom is 104 years old and doing amazingly well. My mom, Shirley Jean, and Sarah Jo were more like sisters than an aunt & nieces. The last time we saw your mom and dad was at the McCuskey reunion in Wheeling, WV in 2001. She was such a dear person and will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you.
Joanne
Just an additional note that my be of interest. I was born in Miami, OK. My mom returned to the US from Haiti with some of my siblings and stayed with her brother & Sarah, your grandparents, until I was born. My dad was stationed in Haiti for the Navy. My parents wanted me to be born in the States. My dad returned to the states a few months after I was born.
Joanne
My name is Avery, and I stumbled upon some letters exchanged between Shirley and Carrol from the 1940s and 50s. They are very sweet and quite sentimental. I have spent the entire day organizing them by date, teary eyed over the profound love they clearly shared. I want to return them if possible. They have touched me deeply, as I’m sure they would for you. Feel free to email me!