Louise Shelton Jackson

Louise Shelton Jackson

Louise Shelton Jackson, age 94, passed away on June 11, 2025, of natural causes at Grace Memory Care, in Boise, ID surrounded by her loving family. Louise was born October 22, 1930, the fifth child of McKinley and Della Shelton in Greeneville, TN. She married her husband of 73+ years, Vernon E. Jackson, SR on August 3, 1951, in Knoxville, TN. They met on the dance floor at a social gathering, and he was the love of her life.

They moved several times in their early married years, and moved from Detroit, MI, to Jacksonville, FL in January 1960, and then to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL in 1985. NE Florida would always be considered home. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Vernon E. Jackson, JR and Steven D. Jackson.

Louise graduated from Mosheim High School in Tennessee, and Knoxville Business College leading her to work as a stenographer. She experienced a very interesting job as a stenographer for the FBI in the early 1950’s. Louise felt blessed to be a stay-at-home Mom and wife for 15 years before returning to college and work. She was busy with the boys’ activities, scouts, school, sports and church. During those years, she also enjoyed social and volunteering with the Arlington Junior Women’s Club, and was President in 1966. She also developed a love for golf through membership at the Dune’s and University Golf Clubs.

In the late 70’s Louise returned to her education attending Florida Junior College and graduated with honors, earning an Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy. She worked as a Registered Respiratory Therapist until retiring in December, 1995. She worked at downtown Baptist Hospital from 1979-82 in acute care, and moved to Riverside St. Vincent’s Hospital in 1982 working in Pulmonary Rehab until retirement.

Louise was a lifelong Christian, attending Methodist Churches most of her life. Both were members of the Arlington United Methodist Church in Jacksonville until 1986, then joined Palms Presbyterian Church, in Jacksonville Beach, FL. At Palms, she was active in the Presbyterian Women’s organization and the Ushering Committee for many years.

Louise has always been blessed with many friends thru her leisure activities, as she was an avid bridge player and golfer. She was a member of the Ponte Vedra Club, their ladies golf association as well as the Beaches Ladies Golf Association and the Jacksonville Beach Golf Association. The Ponte Vedra Club gave Louise a great setting to share a game of bridge in the locker room, a match on the course and enjoy Friday night Happy Hours with Vernon and many close friends. She and Vernon also enjoyed ballroom dancing for many years with the American Ballroom & Contemporary Dance Association.

Louise also enjoyed travel and visiting family, including staying in touch with her siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was the organizer of the first Shelton reunion (1993) in Nashville, and made many trips to Greeneville, TN for the annual July 4th Shelton family gatherings. Their biggest travel thrill was a Baltic Cruise on her and Vernon’s 50th Anniversary, which included visits to 5 world capitals, and lunch at the Kremlin while in Moscow.

She leaves behind her husband Vernon, and sons Vernon Jr. (Vicki) of Portland, OR and Steven (Robyn) of Boise, ID, and 5 grandchildren Alexander (Jesse), Ashley, Austin (Emma), Melissa and Tracy (Jovan). She is also survived by three great grandchildren, Emma, Jack and Gianna as well as many nieces and nephews.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, grandson Albert McKinley, sisters Irene and Lela, and brothers Harry, Mickey and Gordon.

Her final resting place will be in the Columbarium at Palms Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made in her name to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.