Irene Shelnutt Jackson, age 97, of Cedartown, Georgia peacefully passed away at home surrounded by family on Thursday, August 1, 2013. She was born in Wehadkee, Alabama on February 7, 1916, daughter of the late Sanford David Shelnutt and Lola Lou McWhorter Shelnutt. She was married to the late Rev. Paul Daniel Jackson and ministered alongside him as he served as the Associational Missionary for Carrollton, Coosa, and Polk-Haralson Baptist Associations and as he pastored numerous churches including East Vernon Baptist in LaGrange, New Hope Baptist in Dallas, Northside Baptist in Carrollton, and Centralhatchee Baptist. Mrs. Jackson is a longtime resident of Cedartown and member of Worldview Baptist Church where she served in various positions such as Sunday School teacher, Women's Missionary Union Director, Librarian, and as a member on the History Committee.

Mrs. Jackson also helped to establish libraries in several churches in the State. Rev. and Mrs. Jackson are remembered by many for their service in directing several church camps, including Camp Antioch where the gym is named in their honor.

Mrs. Jackson has four married children, Dr. Maurice and Shirley Jackson Randall of Cedartown, Georgia, Fred and Marjorie Jackson Barr of Rome, Georgia, Rev. David and Frances Shultz Jackson of Franklin, Georgia, and Daniel and Carol Barnett Jackson of Carrollton, Georgia.

In addition to her four children and spouses, Mrs. Irene Jackson has thirteen grandchildren, twenty-nine great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren.

Mrs. Jackson's priorities in life were evident in her love for God, for family, and for missions. She and her husband served God faithfully and traveled extensively.

A celebration of Mrs. Jackson's life will be held at Gammage Funeral Home in Cedartown, Georgia on Saturday, August 3, at four o'clock in the afternoon with family members sharing remembrances. The family of Mrs. Jackson will receive family and friends on Saturday, August 3, 2013 from three o'clock in the afternoon until the funeral hour at the Gammage Funeral Home and also one hour after the funeral service at the Gammage Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may make donations to their own church, or to Rockridge Baptist Assembly in memory of Irene Jackson. The address for Rockridge Baptist Assembly is 13200 Hwy. 100, Franklin, GA 30217.

Messages of condolences can be made to the family by visiting our website and signing the online guestbook at gammagefh.com.

The Olin L. Gammage and Sons Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for Mrs. Irene Shelnutt Jackson.