SFC. Shelton Jackson

Celebration of Life
Sergeant First Class Shelton Jackson
~His Story, His Legacy~
"This I recall to my mind; therefore, I have hope. It is because of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness, The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore, will I hope in him". (Lamentations 3:21-24)
"It was early Thursday morning at approximately 3:57 AM on February 27, 2025 when God entered my room at the Dublin Veterans Administration's Heroes Haven and said, 'My child you have been through enough during your illness, come home and take your eternal rest, for your mansion is ready and prepared for you.' Well Done thy good and faithful servant; you've been faithful over a few things, now I'll make you ruler over many. Your earthly journey is now complete!!!"
The Beginning of My Life's Journey
Mr. Shelton Jackson was the third of five children born on July 15, 1948 in Johnson County to the parentage of the late Mr. Artis Jackson, Sr. and the late Mrs. Annie Lee Gregory Jackson. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and two brothers: the late Wendell Jackson and the late Artis Jackson, Jr.
His formative years were spent in Johnson County assisting his parents with farming and sharecropping work. He was well known in the Wrightsville/Johnson County community where he grew up and later years matriculated to the Dublin/Laurens County area.
Spiritual Journey
Shelton joined the Rock Spring Baptist Church at an early age accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. After moving to the Dublin-Laurens County area, his church affiliations were Wabash Street Church of God in Christ where he was very active in the ministries of the church and later the Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church where he currently worshipped until his health declined. He was an active parishioner in Sunday School and attended faithfully. His philosophy and belief regarding church membership was that "Salvation and our belief in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God whom He raised from the dead" is what made you a member of the "Body of Christ." He enjoyed studying the Word of God and asking deep biblical questions to gain an in-depth understanding of sometimes challenging subject matters about the Bible.
During his recent illness, Shelton emphatically informed his family and all who were involved in his physical healthcare that "God is my pacemaker and has been all of these years. God will continue to be my pacemaker." He let us know that when God was ready for him, he was ready to go home to be with the LORD; "for to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Shelton was very sure without a shadow of doubt concerning his salvation. He stood on the Word of God. His view on life was that every day was a good day, and God was good. He felt no pain, even when we knew he did, and he didn't complain about anything. Everybody would have to personally stand before the LORD on that Great Day of His appearing! He loved many Genres of music and had a passion for Gospel Quartet singing. One of his favorite artists was Lee Williams of the Spiritual QC's & many others.
Military Life
Shelton served in the United States Army beginning February 13, 1969 and was released from active duty while stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska with an Honorable Discharge on August 23, 1974. His Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized include the following: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, One (1) O/S Bar, & One (1) Service Stripe. He was educated and trained in NCOES Radio Operations with his last duty assignment being with the 172d Inf Bde, AL. Additionally, while serving in the United States Army, SFC Jackson also went to Jump School at Ft. Benning, NC and was part of the 82nd Airborne Division.
Following his military life in the United States Army, Shelton served approximately 4 years in the HHC 1st Battalion BN (M) 121st Infantry Unit of the Army National Guard. One of his missions while in the National Guard involved guarding during the riot that had taken place in Forsyth County, GA in January 1987. He also trained for "Desert Storm" at Ft. Steward and was sent to California for additional training.
Education & Career
A 1968 graduate of Dock Kemp High School in Johnson County, Shelton continued his education at Brewton Parker College of Mt. Vernon, Georgia where he was awarded an Associates Degree in Arts in 1978. He furthered his education by taking night classes at Georgia College of Milledgeville, GA which is now known as Georgia College and State University.
Shelton was employed with the Carl Vincent Veteran's Administration (VA) Hospital where he served in many capacities, however his last assignment was a Health Technician on the Green Team and was a direct Assistant to Dr. Mathew Mathai. While employed at the VA, he received a plethora of service awards and accolades, which are too numerous to list. His involvement in helping others was second to none. With his combined years of service of 42 years, he enjoyed serving the veterans when they came in for appointments. Prior to employment with the Dublin VA, he also held jobs including share cropping with his father on Emory Colston Farm in Kite, GA & pulp wooding with Weathers Brothers. He also went to truck driving school in McDonough, GA and received his certificate for truck driving.
Life's Legacy
Shelton loved his family and enjoyed sharing stories of the time he spent in Vietnam and Alaska. He was a devout husband and father who was affectionately known as "Jack" to his wife, Marie Lowther Jackson, of almost 27 years if he had lived to March 21, 2025. Their union was special as he leaves to cherish his memory their loving Children: Min. Franieda DeShawn Jackson, Macon, GA; Shelton Jackson II, Dublin/Macon, GA; Marty Lewis, Dublin, GA; Grandchildren: Shakira Walker, Warner Robins, GA; Makayla Hunter, Atlanta, GA; Marty Lewis, Jr., Dublin, GA; Melodi Flowers, Dublin, GA and Great Grandchildren: Zaniya, Kalani, & Chozyn
Sisters: Annie Pearl Thomas and Joycelyn Jackson of Wrightsville, GA.; Uncles: Henry Jackson of Philadelphia, PA and Boisy (Delores) Jackson of Daytona Beach, FL.
Mother-in-Law: Mrs. Lillie M. Lowther, Dublin, GA; Brothers-in-Law: Clinton (Bobbie) Lowther and Edward Dwayne (Danielle) Lowther, Dublin, GA; Sisters-in-Law: Erna Jackson, Fayetteville, NC; Geraldine (Love) Harmon, Macon, GA; Beverly Lowther, Dublin, GA; Evelyn Lowther, Valdosta, GA.
Nieces: Sonya Denise Jackson, Wrightsville, GA; DeAsia Lowther, DeAnna Lowther, and DeAndrea Lowther; Dublin, GA, and Jamial Jenkins, Valdosta, GA. Nephews: Michael Jermaine Jackson; Nathan LaShaun Jackson, Chehalis, WA; Dr. Jamie (Dr. Keshia) Lowther, MD, Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Kevin Lowther, Christopher (Lauren) Lowther, Justin Lowther, Pharren Lowther, Omri Lowther all of the Greater Atlanta, GA area and a host of extended family, cousins, additional relatives, and friends and colleagues.
Shelton's life and legacy will be cherished by all of us as we mourn his passing and lay him to rest into eternity. Affectionately known as "Jack," "Shep", or "Jackson," he will truly be missed by family, friends, and all who were impacted by his time here on earth. He has left a lasting legacy and an impression for generations to come. REST WELL, SOLDIER, SFC Jackson, REST WELL!!!!
The family will receive friends at their home, 203 Fox Den Court, Dublin, GA on Monday, March 3, 2025 & Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM each evening. A public drop-in viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Dudley Funeral Home from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
"To God be the Glory for the Great things He has done for a life well-lived"!!!!