Shirley A. Jacob

Mrs. Shirley A. Bradford Jacob, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, transitioned peacefully from this earth to her eternal home on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on January 18, 1941, Shirley was a beacon of light and love, known for her unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication to her family and community.
She was united in marriage to John Jacob on January 13, 1962, at St. Peter Catholic Church where she was an active parishioner and served on the Altar and Rosary Society, hospitality committee, Parish Council, and sang in the gospel choir. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Michelle Jacob Jones and Linda Jacob Richardson.
Shirley was a proud and active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter, where she was affectionately known as a Delta Dear. She was initiated in 1961 into the Delta Eta Chapter on the campus of AM&N College, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), and is joined in the Sisterhood by her two daughters and granddaughter. Her leadership and service in the sorority spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Shirley served in numerous offices, including Corresponding Secretary (1970), Vice President (1972-74), President (1974-76), Treasurer (1989-91), and Financial Secretary (1993-99). She also served as the MIT Trainer (1986-2006), Primary Advisor to Delta Eta (1987-89), and State Coordinator (1985-97 and 2002-05), in which she assisted in chartering five chapters in the state of Arkansas. She also served on Regional and National Committees such as the Regional Election Committee and National Housing & Properties Committee (2004-2007). Shirley's accomplishments were many, including coordinating the first Regional Black College Convocation and the first Statewide Founders Day in Arkansas in 1987 and 1992, respectively. Shirley's multi-faceted nature of servitude exemplified what it is to be a Delta woman, and she took pride in affirming that notion throughout her journey.
Her contributions extended beyond Delta Sigma Theta. Shirley was deeply involved in her community, serving on the boards of the Jefferson County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Arkansas Girl Scout Council, Neighbor to Neighbor, Volunteers in Public Schools (VIP), and the Arts and Science Center. She was a dedicated volunteer for the Jefferson Regional Medical Center (JRMC) and a member and officer of the JRMC Auxiliary board. She also served as a loan executive for the United Way and was a Leadership Pine Bluff graduate.
Professionally, Shirley's career was equally distinguished. Her career began while she was still a senior in high school, working as a secretary for Judge George Howard, Jr. Over the next 40-plus years, she held various positions including Secretary for the UAPB Department of Home Economics, Business Education Teacher in the Pine Bluff School District, and Training Manager for the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC). In 1974, Shirley returned to UAPB where she held various roles beginning with Data Entry Supervisor, Instructor/Advisor for Foreign, Veteran, and Disabled Students, Associate Dean of Students for Student Activities, and culminating as the Dean of Student Life for Student Involvement and Leadership for a total of 39 years. Her dedication to student leadership and development was evident through her planning and implementation of the landmark Student Leadership Conference in 1992, later named the L. A. Torrence Institute for Excellence in Student Leadership (LATIESL), and her involvement in numerous campus committees and activities.
Shirley received several awards and recognitions for her service, including plaques from the Arkansas Sorors, Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter, and the Southwest Region for her dedicated service and outstanding contributions, as well as the highly distinguished Daniel Rudd Award for outstanding service from the Arkansas Diocese of Black Catholics.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, John Park and Cendella Bradford; her brothers, George Ross and Gene Watley; and her sister, Florell Devoe. She is survived by her loving husband, John Jacob; their two daughters, Michelle and Linda (Richard); five grandchildren, John-Brandon (Jasmine), Myles, Michael, Toni Alexis, and John Anthony; two great grandchildren, Haylee and Micah; and two nieces, Doris Leonard and Racelle Devoe, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. Her legacy of love, faith, and service will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
A celebration of Shirley's life will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at St. Peter Catholic Church beginning at 10:30 a.m. with the Rosary, followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Her body will lie in state at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. before the service. Visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home on Thursday, May 30, 2024, beginning at 5:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shirley Jacob Endowment at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in honor of Shirley's legacy of excellence and giving. Checks should be mailed to the following: Office of Alumni Affairs, 1200 North University Drive, Mail Slot 4929, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. Please make checks payable to Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund and indicate Shirley A. Jacob Excellence in Leadership Scholarship on the memo line. Call 870-575-8499 if you have questions.
As we grieve the loss of Shirley, we find comfort in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him," knowing that she is now in the presence of the Lord, rejoicing in her heavenly home. Her spirit will forever guide us with the love and wisdom she so generously shared throughout her life.
Rest in peace, "Suga," "Mommy," and "Grandmother," Mrs. Shirley A. Jacob. You are now with the angels, watching over us all.
Interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery Pine Bluff, AR, by Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, AR.
Obituary submitted by The Family.