Mrs. Shirley June Jackson

Celebrating The Life Of Shirley June Jackson: Shirley June Jackson was born on May 25, 1934 in Gary, Indiana. Her mother, Virginia Bowens-Murphy moved the family to Muskegon, Michigan soon afterward. Shirley spent her childhood years learning to play the piano, sing and participate in the arts. She was a very talented artist who loved to paint on canvas and draw. Shirley sang in the popular Spiritual Ways gospel group and was often featured on local radio. She grew up in the beauty business and first learned how to do hair from her mother and had earned her cosmetology license at an early age. After attending Muskegon High School, Shirley moved to Detroit. Fun and outgoing, she quickly made friends in the city and often talked about her early years living at the YWCA downtown. There she met the man who would later become her husband, Lewis Jackson. They were married in 1957. Together they formed a family: son, Lewis J. Jackson Jr. and daughter, Italee M. Bowens. Shirley was an avid reader and political activist at an early age. She participated in civil rights marches and protests supporting Martin Luther King’s activities in Detroit. She attended his march down Woodward and rally at Cobo Hall in 1968 where he first gave his famous, “I Have a Dream” speech. Her political activism and concern for lives of everyday people continued throughout her life. She voted in every election, volunteered on many political campaigns and worked hard to help elect Coleman Young as Detroit’s first black mayor. She was also active in the Pinehurst Neighborhood Block Club where she served as president of the organization. Shirley was also a hard worker who loved being a beautician. She spent long hours serving a growing client base and often worked from sun up to well past sun down to provide for her family. Of the many beauty shops she worked at during her life, most notable was the time she spent at The House of Beauty and Styles by Durham. Shirley participated and often won many of the early hair styling competitions held at the Latin Quarter. She was a master stylist in the Vidal Sassoon style who was well known for own her stunning beauty and fashion sense. Shirley was also an excellent cook and hostess whose dinner parties were the envy of her friends. She was also an avid sports fan who loved following both the Detroit Tigers and Lions. In addition, she was an excellent bowler who participated in bowling leagues for many years. Her love of competitive sports and politics would last her entire life. She was also a deeply spiritual woman of faith. Throughout her life, Shirley developed a strong spiritual side and was very active in Greater New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church for many years. She sang in the church choir, served as a mentor to young women and would even help prepare meals in the kitchen. Shirley continued to grow in her beliefs and even toward the end of her life, she would never complain but instead she would bring comfort to those around her with a kind word, warm hug and loving smile. Shirley June Jackson made her transition peacefully on the evening of June 10, 2015 at the Regency Manor Nursing Home in Utica, MI.

Mrs. Shirley June Jackson

May 25, 1934 - June 10, 2015