Shirley and husband, Jim, have been living in the city of Bartlett since 1978. Their sons, Dr. Bryan Jackson and Kevin Jackson graduated from Bartlett Schools.
Shirley is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Science in Education (1970), Masters in Education (1972), with forty-five additional hours in School Administration and Supervision from the University of Memphis and Trevecca Nazarene University.
Shirley began her educational career in the private sector for seven years then moved to Memphis City Schools and retired after thirty-six years in 2012. She served as a Special Education classroom teacher and spent her last ten years with the Division of Exceptional Children in teacher support and training for the student data management system.
Shirley served on the Mayors Education Advisory Council during the transition period as Bartlett was working toward the formation of the new school system and as a volunteer for Better Bartlett Schools. She and Jim are members of Bellevue Baptist Church. "I look forward to serving the Bartlett community in this exciting endeavor and moving our schools to a level of excellence for all children we serve."