Shirley Mae Jackson

Shirley Mae Jackson passed away on August 25, 2022, at the age of 80.

Shirley Mae (Sykes) Jackson was born on April 6, 1942 the fourth child to Willie and Jessie Sykes in Heth, Arkansas. She had a personality that was bigger than life. Her personality had to be large because she was the shortest of the bunch. Her size didn’t mean a thing. If you asked anyone, they’d tell you that she was the fun one. You could always count on her for a laugh and to always bring energy to every room she entered. Despite her always wanting her way, without fail, she’d make you smile. 

Shirley accepted Christ at an early age, attending First Baptist Church in Heth, Arkansas, led by Reverend Ball. While still in Arkansas, she graduated from Mildred Jackson High School. After a while, Shirley was looking for a fresh start. It was then that she decided to relocate to Chicago, Illinois. Despite leaving Arkansas, Shirley remained close to her siblings. Much like her, they had big personalities as well. Their shared love for one another kept the family together. Those with knowledge of the Sykes family might even say that they are all a bunch of know-it-alls. But, even as a know-it-all, Shirley didn’t judge and always kept your secrets.  

After moving to Chicago, Illinois, Shirley bore her only child, Cedric in 1976. She later met and married Sylvester Jackson.Cedric was her heart’s joy and she and Cedric had an amazing bond and she thoroughly loved being his mother. Cedric loved his mom to no end and was her protector up until she passed away. 

Shirley worked a few jobs prior to establishing her career with the United States Postal Service (USPS). She worked at USPS for over 30 years until her retirement in 2001. Much like her family, her colleagues enjoyed her witty banter and the ways in which she made work enjoyable. 

A family function wasn’t complete without Shirley’s famous rum cake. Everyone could always count on her to show up with a sweet treat to compliment the meal. In addition to being known for her infectious laugh, big personality and tasty treats, Shirley was also known for dancing,working in the garden and everyone knows the only gift that Shirley wanted was a scratch off ticket. 

Shirley went home to be with the Lord on August 25, 2022. She is preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Jessie Sykes; Husband, Sylvester Jackson, Brothers; Uester (Jack) Sykes, Douglas Sykes and Joseph Sykes. 

She leaves to cherish her memory, one son; Cedric (Deirdre) Sykes of Naperville, IL, nine grandchildren; Shirleen Kelly, Briana (Forchin) Garrett, Ariel Evans, Felicia Johnson, Dominique Robinson, Cierra Sykes, Joshua Jackson, Joshua Sykes and Cedric Sykes, Jr.; six great-grand children, one brother; Robert Sykes of Heth, Arkansas and four sisters; Geraldine Burton and Joyce Brown of Heth, Arkansas, Barbara Sykes and Mildred (Henry) Brice of Chicago, Illinois; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation for Shirley will be on Thursday, September 1, 2022, from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Sourek Funeral Home, 5645 W. 35th St, Cicero. Interment Mt. Hope Cemetery, 11500 South Fairfield Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, 60655. For more information call The Sourek Manor Funeral Home at 708-652-6661.