When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.” Luke 13:12
Shirley Braxter Jackson gained her wings on July 16, 2021, while asleep in her daughter's home. Despite becoming ill at the young age of 21, she was always a proud mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Through her, we learned determination, strength, and resilience. She was a true fighter. Her joy for life and indomitable spirit kept her pushing through her illness for almost six decades. Those who knew her were aware of her compassionate spirit and her contagious smile and laughter.
Mrs. Jackson was born on September 9, 1942, in Farmville, Virginia to the late Hugh and Annie Mabel (Webster) Braxter. However, she was reared by her foster family, John, and Essie Cousin, in Nottoway, Virginia - not far from her birthplace. At the age of 12, she committed her life to Christ and was baptized at First Nottoway Baptist Church in Crewe, Virginia. She was also educated in the public schools in Nottoway County up until the tenth grade. She returned to her birthplace and was ultimately unable to complete her education due to racial segregation. However, she found satisfaction in music and dance, especially tap, which she was exceptionally talented. Her eldest sister, Pattie Ann Jackson, would often affectionately refer to her as "Shirley Temple" when describing how "good" she was when she would trade in her shoes for a pair of tap shoes!
At the age of 18, she married Clarence Jackson on October 15, 1960. With this union, three beautiful daughters were born: Sherry Ann Jackson, who preceded her in death, Phyllis Jackson-Langhorne, and Jacqueline Jackson Morgan (Timothy Scott Morgan), all of Farmville, Virginia. Her family tree grew with the addition of four grandchildren, Bryant Marquis Jackson, Brittany Danielle Jackson, Lauren Nicole Morgan, and Zachary Tyler Morgan, who all remain to carry on her legacy and cherish the loving memories created over the years. Mrs. Jackson, who was one of seven, also enjoyed many great times with many of her siblings, especially during her adult years. Her siblings consisted of Pattie Ann Jackson (John Junior Jackson), John Marshall Braxter (Bettye Braxter), and Mabel Jean Braxter, who all predeceased her, as well as Sarah Elizabeth Jennings, Carol Gee (Ronnie Gee) and Sampson Braxter. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews (including great and great-great), who loved and cherished her dearly. She also grew fond of her many wonderful caretakers and was exceptionally grateful to Denise Taylor for her love and devotion over the years.
Now that her illness is over, Mrs. Jackson can once again join her eldest daughter and older siblings. She has now traded in her wheelchair for her heavenly tap shoes. Though she will be missed, she will continue to dance in our hearts.
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