Shirley M. Jackson

Shirley M. Jackson was born in the Bronx New York, the youngest of six children, and the mother of two. She grew up in the South Bronx and attends the Mount Carmel Baptist Church in the Bronx where she serves on the Trustee ministry, the Music ministry, and the Nurses Ministry.

Ms. Jackson began her nursing training at Jane Addams Vocational High School. Upon taking the NCLEX, she became a Licensed Practical Nurse and later attended Lehman College where she obtained a master’s degree in Adult Health Nursing with a minor in education. Her nursing career has led her into positions in emergency nursing, infection control, OB/GYN, nursing education, ambulatory care, and nursing leadership. She attributes her love of nursing to her mother who always wanted a nurse in the family. Ms. Jackson currently works as a Nurse Manager in a Community Health Center whose population includes the underserved, and the HIV and the LGBT communities. It is with a continued commitment to serving others that her nursing career spans over 40 years.

After high school, Ms. Jackson joined the United States Army Reserves where she served 25 years, entering as a Private First Class in 1977, becoming a 2nd Lieutenant in 1990, and retiring as Captain in 2002. She served as a Non- Commissioned Officer and in the Army Nurse Corp. She has received recognition via Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals and Certificates of Achievement for being a leader, trainer and for the support of the mission and tasks assigned to her.

As a current and active member of the American Legion Union Port Post 1065 in the Bronx, Ms. Jackson believes that veterans are an important part of community. She served as Commander of Union Port Post 1065 during a period of transition with the merging of another post and its members. She provided leadership and guidance during this period to make the transition smooth and welcoming for the new members and assisted the current member in the transition as needed. She has been a member of the American Legion for 15 years.

With great humility and pride, Ms. Jackson is thankful for this recognition and proud to live and serve in the great county of the Bronx.