Kathryn Jean Shirley

Kathryn Jean Jackson-Shirley was born on August 28, 1948, to the late James and Catherine Jackson. She was the fifth of
six children and was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Carl Jackson, Will Jackson, James "Ricky" Jackson,
and Patricia Jackson; her cousin Johnnie Clara Mabry; and her infant grandson, Michael Raphael DeJarnett. We find
comfort in knowing she is now reunited with them in eternal peace.
From an early age, Kathryn brought joy, kindness, and a gentle spirit to all who knew her. She attended Tuggle
Elementary School, Hooper City High School, and proudly graduated from A.H. Parker High School. As a young adult,
Kathryn accepted Christ at New St. James Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. C.L. Fisher.
She began her career at the Veterans Administration in Ann Arbor, Michigan, serving as a Voucher Audit Examiner for
six years before transferring to the Birmingham branch. There, she continued her dedicated service for more than 20
years as an Agent Cashier until her retirement in 2010. Kathryn was deeply committed to her work as an auditor and was
known for her remarkable attention to detail, able to catch the smallest discrepancy down to the penny. Her strong work
ethic, compassion, and warm smile touched the hearts of everyone she worked with. Kathryn had a true gift for caring
for others, and her heart wouldn't allow her to stand by when someone was being mistreated.
Kathryn was blessed with two children, Tonneau DeJarnett Perkins and Alex DeJarnett.
Kathryn peacefully passed away on November 5, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and joy that will
be cherished by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. Her memory will continue to bloom in the hearts of
those who loved her. Kathryn will also be remembered for her love of cooking and sharing delicious meals with family
and friends, as well as her joy in planting and tending to beautiful flowers that brightened every space she touched.
To continue her legacy, Kathryn leaves behind her children, Tonneau 'Vicki' DeJarnett Perkins of Birmingham, AL, and
Alex DeJarnett (Torshi) of Memphis TN; her brother Clarence 'Pete' Jackson of Detroit, MI; four cherished
grandchildren, Reginald Raphael Perkins of Madison, AL, Katherine Chanel of Birmingham, AL, and Ellen Alexandria
DeJarnett of Memphis, TN. She also leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will carry
fond memories of her kindness, wisdom, and warm spirit.