Shelia Ann Renfro Jackson

Shelia Ann Jackson transitioned peacefully into the presence of her Heavenly Father on September 29, 2026, at the age of 73. A woman of deep faith, strong conviction, service, and an adventurous spirit, Shelia lived a life that reached far beyond the places she called home and left an imprint on everyone blessed to know and love her.

She was born May 19, 1953, in Fort Worth, Texas, to the late Hillman and Johnnie Renfro. Shelia was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roosevelt Jackson, and her brother, Billy Renfro.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sisters, Sharon Hayes, affectionately known as “Baby,” Linda Fantroy, and Ethel Finch; her brothers, McCoy Renfro and Hillmon Johnson; her beloved nephews, Hillman “Baby Ryan” Hayes and Phillip “Baby Phil” Hayes; her nieces-in-law, Miesha and Isa; and her precious great-nephews, Logan and Liam Hayes. She also leaves her bonus children, Melody Jackson, Rudy Jackson, and Mary Fallick, along with extended family, sorority sisters, church family, friends, and many others whose lives she touched.

As a sister, Shelia loved deeply. Her bond with Sharon spanned a lifetime of shared memories, family milestones, laughter, and love. In Shelia’s later years, Sharon’s devotion became an even greater expression of that love as she cared for her sister, advocated for her, and remained faithfully by her side. Their relationship was a testament to the kind of love that does not simply speak — it shows up.

As an aunt, Shelia loved as a mother. Ryan and Phil were never simply her nephews. They were her boys — forever “Baby Ryan” and “Baby Phil.” She loved them with a mother’s pride, concern, protection, and unwavering devotion. No matter how old they became or how their lives grew, their place in Aunt Shelia’s heart never changed.

That love continued into another generation with Logan and Liam, her babies. They brought her tremendous joy and gave her yet another reason to smile, celebrate, and pour love into her family. Shelia also embraced Miesha and Isa as her girls, sharing with them the laughter, conversations, and closeness that made family feel like family.

Shelia believed in living beyond the boundaries of what was familiar.

After graduating from Mineral Wells High School, she attended the University of Texas Austin where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®.

While in college, Shelia was selected to travel internationally as part of a student delegation. Her month-long journey carried her throughout Europe, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia, including travel during the era of the Iron Curtain. At a young age, she experienced countries, cultures, and history that many would only encounter through books.

Travel broadened Shelia’s view of the world and became one of the many ways she demonstrated her independence, curiosity, and willingness to experience life fully.

As a professional, Shelia chose service.

Following college, she built a career in social services, working in areas that supported individuals, families, food assistance, public housing, and the greater community. Her work reflected something that remained constant throughout her life: a desire to be of service to others.

As a woman of faith, Shelia served with purpose.

Her Christian foundation began at First St. John's Baptist Church in Fort Worth and later became deeply rooted at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, where she faithfully served for many years. In 2010, Shelia became church secretary, entrusted with documenting meetings, significant events, resolutions, programs, and the history of the church.

To Shelia, those responsibilities were never merely administrative.

They were ministry.

She believed words could comfort grieving families, preserve history, teach generations, and honor God. Before she wrote, she prayed. Before she spoke, she sought guidance. She described the responsibility of using her gifts for God as a “holy burden” — one she carried with reverence and conviction.

Shelia knew what she believed, stood firmly in it, and was never afraid to make that clear.

Those who knew her will undoubtedly smile remembering one of her most unmistakably Shelia declarations:

“I don’t play in the Lord’s house!”

As a daughter, sister, wife, aunt, great-aunt, sorority sister, traveler, professional, servant, and woman of God, Shelia lived a life of substance.

She traveled the world.

She pursued education.

She served her community.

She preserved the history of her church.

She loved her family fiercely.

She prayed faithfully.

Sheila will be lying in state Monday at Baum Carlock Bumgardner Funeral Home from 2 till 8 p.m. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Woodland Park Cemetery.