Emily Shelburne Jackson was born in 1932 in Versailles Kentucky to George and Kathryne Shelburne. The family moved to Lexington where Emily spent her childhood. She graduated from Lafayette High School. In 1955, she earned her BA in Education from the University of Kentucky. She married her husband, William E. Jackson, also a graduate of University of Kentucky, in 1955. They first met at geology field camp in Crested Butte, Colorado, where Bill was completing his Master’s thesis and Emily was earning a minor in Geology. They were married 54 years before Bill’s death in 2009.

Bill and Emily have four children, including Kathryne Christy who died as an infant. David Jackson and his wife Ricki reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Katie Miller and husband Robert reside in Edmond, Oklahoma; and Sarah Chafai resides in Denver. Emily is survived by five grandchildren, Merideth Miller of Nashville TN; MaryKate Miller of Oklahoma City; Shelburne Jackson of Tulsa; Sarah Toews of Tulsa; and Jack Chafai of Denver. Emily is also survived by her brother George Clark Shelburne and his wife Ann of Stanford, KY, along with several nieces and nephews.

Emily began her teaching career in Virginia and later in Oklahoma City. Emily was a keen observer and participant in politics. After moving to Oklahoma City in 1968 and later to Edmond, Emily worked for Governor Dewey Bartlett. During the next 25 years she supported and worked for Senators Don Nichols and James Inhoff and was Campaign Manager for US Representative Mickey Edwards.

Emily loved learning and was an avid reader. She enjoyed the outdoors immensely and spent many summers with her family in the mountains of Colorado. Mom was a committed American patriot and was a past President of the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge (Oklahoma Chapter). Additionally, she was past President of the Geologists Wives Association of Oklahoma City where she was a member for over 50 years. Emily was a member of United Methodist Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City where she and Bill served as greeters and were long-time members of the Encounters Sunday School Class. She had many friends, loved entertaining in her home and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

The last six and a half years of Emily’s life were spent in Tulsa at St. Simeon’s Senior Community. David and Ricki Jackson lovingly oversaw her care on a daily basis, ensuring she was well-cared for. Emily passed away peacefully on January 1st at 1pm following a stroke in late September. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and loved her.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 10am at Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City.

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