The funeral services for the late Mrs. Shirley Mae Jackson, who departed this life on Sunday, September 3, 2023 at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, Georgia, will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. from the New Bethel Baptist Church in Sylvester, Georgia. Reverend Dr. Wallace Coleman will deliver the Eulogy. Burial will follow in the New Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. Services may be viewed Facebook Live from the “Shipps Funeral Home" Facebook page or by clicking the Video Stream link on this site's Home Page.

Mrs. Shirley Mae Jackson, affectionately known as “Duke”, was born on August 2, 1930 in Ty Ty, Georgia, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Johnny and Annie Lee Brannum Gordon.

Shirley gave her life to Christ at an early age and joined the New Bethel Baptist Church of Sumner, Georgia. She served as a member of the Usher Board. Later in her life, Shirley joined the First Timothy Baptist Church of Newark, New Jersey. She served as a member of the Usher Board at First Timothy for many years.

Shirley was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Mr. Robert Jackson, Sr.

Shirley loved her family very much and did all she could to care for them. She always said “My children are my life.” She also loved the Lord with all her heart and soul. She was a true Soldier in the Army of the Lord.

On September 3, 2023, at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, Georgia, our beloved Duke answered the call of God and went home to Glory. Her job here on earth was accomplished. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert Jackson, Sr., two children, Bonnie Raye Jackson, Larry Jackson, a grandson, John Miller, her siblings, John Gordon, Willie Gordon, Joe Gordon, Betty Ruth Gordon Whitt, and a nephew, Andre Gordon.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memories her children, Robert Jackson, Jr., Shirley Ann Miller, Carolyn Jackson, Timothy Jackson; her grandchildren, Sakinah C. Miller, Jackie R. Miller; and a host of nieces and nephews, just to name a few, Anita Gordon, Dana Gordon, Kim Gordon, Stephen Gordon, Ronnie Whitt; and a host of other family members and friends.