Shirley Juanita Jackson Brown, age 95, born December 14, 1930, to the late Sylvester and Ester Winston Jackson of Covington, Virginia, peacefully departed this life on July 17th, 2026 at the home of her daughter, surrounded by love after a long illness. At an early age, Shirley accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was baptized, and faithfully attended Pine Street Baptist Church in Covington, Virginia, and sang in the church choir. Beyond her church involvement, Shirley was a gifted athlete and an integral member of the Covington Women’s Softball Team. Shirley attended Watson School in Covington and graduated in 1950. Following graduation, she remained close to home, helping her father raise her younger siblings. Her life changed when she met a young railroad worker, James E. Brown, Jr., who would become the love of her life. The two were married in 1952 and made their home in Glen Wilton. Virginia. After relocating to Glen Wilton, Shirley united with Mt. Beulah Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful and devoted member for the rest of her life. Her dedication to her church family was evident through her service as Church Secretary, Treasurer, Deaconess, and Trustee. In 1955, Shirley and James were blessed with the birth of their son, James E. Brown, III, followed by the arrival of their daughter, Janice L. Brown, in 1957. While Shirley took great pride in being a loving wife and mother, her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her own family. An exceptional cook and caregiver, she welcomed neighborhood children into her home, caring for many of them as if they were her own. She enjoyed playing badminton, softball, horseshoes, and marbles with both children and adults throughout the community. Throughout her life, Shirley devoted herself to serving others. She worked as a caregiver for elderly individuals living with dementia, providing compassionate care in their homes. She was also actively involved in numerous community organizations, including the Helping Hand Club, Stitch and Chatter, the local LOA Senior Citizens Group, and the Berean Valley Baptist Association. Alongside her husband, she was a committed participant in the Botetourt Improvement Association. Shirley and James also enjoyed traveling extensively with their daughter, creating cherished memories along the way. In 1970, Shirley and James faced the heartbreaking loss of their son in a tragic accident. Although their faith was profoundly tested, it ultimately strengthened their commitment to serving God and others. They became even more dedicated to supporting their church, neighboring congregations, community organizations, friends, and those in need. Shirley’s compassionate heart remained a defining characteristic throughout her life. She selflessly cared for her siblings during times of illness, even traveling out of state and bringing a sibling into her home to provide loving care during his final days. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James E. Brown, Jr.; her son, James E. Brown, III; her sister, Ann Jackson Jones; her brother, James E. Jackson; and her infant twin siblings, William and Emiline Jackson. She was also preceded in death by her sisters-in-law, Grace Thompson, Mary Holloman, Lillian Graves, Annie Belle Yancey, and Clara Anderson; and her brother-in-law, Robert Brown. Left to cherish her memory and celebrate her life are her devoted daughter, Janice L. Brown; her brother, Joseph L. Jackson (Jean); and a host of loving nieces and nephews whose calls, visits, prayers and support brought comfort to both Shirley and Janice throughout the years. Among Shirley’s many treasured friends, the family would like to extend special recognition to Gail Brown, Stacey Johnson, Natalie and Davis Murphy, Rodney Brown, Patricia Davis Ross, Peggy Scott, the Vaughn family, Peggy Hamm and family, Peaches Goode and family, Diana Twitty, Danny Christian and her longtime hairdresser, Beverly Pendleton. The family is deeply grateful to the pastor and members of Mt. Beulah Baptist Church and Reverend David Halsey for their prayers, visits, encouragement, and steadfast support throughout Shirley’s life. Janice also wishes to express her heartfelt appreciation to caregivers Amie Putnam, Donna Hughes, and Linda Ball, whose compassion, dedication, and loving assistance made it possible for Shirley to receive exceptional care at home. Their kindness and support will never be forgotten. A special thank you is extended to Shirley’s hospice care team at ConnectionsPlus for their unwavering guidance, compassion, comfort, and love over the past 4 years. The care they provided to both Shirley and Janice were a source of immeasurable strength and peace during a difficult season. A funeral service celebrating Shirley’s life will be held on Saturday, July 25th, 2026 at 2:00 PM, at Mt. Beulah Baptist Church in Glen Wilton, VA, with Reverend Kathryn Simpson officiating and Reverend David Halsey delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow in Mt. Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery, Glen Wilton, VA. The family will visit with friends at the church on Saturday afternoon from 1:00 PM until the time of service. Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements. Flowers: Flowers may be sent to Nicely Funeral Home, 405 Alleghany Street, Clifton Forge, VA 24422. Memorial Contributions: Memorial contributions in Shirley J. Brown’s memory may be made to Mt. Beulah Baptist Church and mailed to Mt. Beulah Baptist Church, 411 Fieldale Road, Eagle Rock, VA 24085. To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com