Shirley Hodges Jackson

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Shirley Ann Jackson, 90, passed away April 30, 2025 in Brenham, Texas.

The family will receive friends Monday, May 5, 2025, 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel and services will begin at 10:00 AM with Pastor Brad Coates officiating. Interment will follow at Carlsbad Cemetery in Carlsbad, NM.

Shirley Jackson was born on October 1, 1934 to Carrie and Horace Hodges in Electra, Texas. She was currently residing in Brenham, Texas

Shirley Ann Jackson is a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. A devoted follower of Christ, she has spent her life grounded in faith, teaching Sunday School and leading many to hope and healing through her role as founder and head of Celebrate Recovery in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Shirley also extended her ministry across borders, taking part in numerous church-building missions to Mexico, always sharing her compassion and strength with those in need. She ministered in multiple prisons as a member of the Bill Glass Prison Crusades. Her passion for God and a desire to serve was the driving force of her life.

Shirley moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico with her family as a junior in high school graduating as valedictorian. She married Loyd Jackson in 1952, residing in Carlsbad for 72 years until moving to Brenham, Texas to live close to her family. She was an involved member of her community being a part of the Republican’s Women's Club, Altrusa International, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and Gideons International. She helped with adult literacy and various volunteer positions. Shirley loved to read and was a devout student of the Bible. She was a very opinionated political thinker and even completed online coursework on the United States Constitution while in her 80’s. Shirley assisted Loyd in management of Jackson Construction and Plumbing in Carlsbad, New Mexico for over 50 years.

A woman of deep faith and remarkable talent, Shirley pieced together more than 52 quilts during the last 5 years of her life, all as a labor of love for her family and friends. Her creativity, patience, and dedication to others were evident in everything she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, H.G. Hodges and Carrie Hodges, her loving husband, Loyd Jackson, and her daughter, Gwen Gist.

Shirley was cherished and remembered by her surviving children: Deborah Edington and husband Bob of Brenham, Texas; Starla Porterfield and husband Tom of Wake Forest, North Carolina; Cherene Patty and husband Kim of Edmond, Oklahoma; John Jackson and wife Kim of Kennewick, Washington and also Gwen’s loving life partner, Mike Stanley. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren: Tenessa Porterfield and Matt Patterson, Kerri Gist Holub, Paul Porterfield and wife Breanna, Tim Porterfield and wife Charlotte, Becca Edington Simons and husband Nate, Russell Edington and wife Chelsea, Lindsay Patty Roe and husband Bobby, Katie Patty Clower and husband Ryan , Zane Patty, Rexanna Jackson, Devin Jackson and Lane Dunham, Rachel Jackson Parsons and husband Nic, 20 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters: Elsie Herring, Glenda Jaeger, Barbara Skipworth, and Phyllis Nall, and many very deeply loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Each person she leaves behind is a testament to her love and faith.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”— Matthew 25:23