Obituary of Shirley Mae Jacocks

Shirley Mae Cooper, 93 years young, was born to the late Adam L. and Hattie L. Cooper on Friday, June 13, 1930, in Philadelphia, PA. She passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Jefferson Einstein Hospital. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Shelton F. Jacocks, Sr., brothers William, Augustus, Adam L. Cooper, Jr., twin sisters Bettie C. Jones and Bessie C. Rines, and foster sister Victoria Miles. Shirley joined Berean Presbyterian Church at an early age and sang on the Young People's Choir. As an adult, Shirley served as pianist for the Church Sunday School. She was a member of the Westminster and Friends of Music Choirs as well as Director of the Westminster Choir. Without hesitation, Shirley volunteered to apply her piano talents to events sponsored by the "So Relit Guild", which empowered intergenerational relationships among women. Shirley was a faithful member of Berean for more than 40 years. In September of 1940, Shirley studied Vocal instruction under Mr. Wilbur Marshall and Mrs. Marie Jones. While studying under Mrs. Jones, Shirley became a member of the American Woodmen Chorus. Not long after celebrating her 12th birthday, Shirley was interviewed by a reporter for the Baltimore Afro-American newspaper. The reporter had heard about a little girl, who sings on Berean's Young People's Choir, with the "Voice of an Angel." The interview was published in the newspaper's July 18, 1942, 50th anniversary edition. When Shirley was 15 years old, her uncle, Colonel William Cooper, asked her to sing at his Testimonial Banquet. Her piano Accompanist was her sister, Bessie C. Rines. The Banquet was sponsored by the Official Council of the American Woodmen, Marching Unit No. 20, and held at the Divine Lorraine Hotel on April 18, 1945. On November 3, 1949, also sponsored by the Council, Shirley performed her first Recital at the McDowell Community Presbyterian Church. Her piano Accompanist was Bernice Gardner. The late Rev. Arthur E. Rankin officiated. Shirley continued to enhance her Vocal skills while attending Vaux Junior High School and later William Penn High School for Girls, where she was a member of Penn's A' cappella Choir and Student Association. Shirley graduated from William Penn High School for Girls in 1947. In 1948, Shirley met the "Love of Her Life", Shelton F. Jacocks, when he attended Berean with a fellow serviceman. Shirley and Shelton were united in holy matrimony by the late Rev. Benjamin Glasco, Sr. on December 31, 1950. The "Love Birds" celebrated 50 years of marriage when they renewed their vows on January 21, 2001, by the late Rev. Jason Jerome Cooper. For more than 10 years, Shirley taught English and Music at George Clymer and John F. Hartranft Elementary Schools in North Philadelphia. Shirley was Caring and Dedicated to her Family, Friends, and Church. She leaves to mourn her passing six children – Cheryl J. Terrell, Richmond, VA., Shelton F. Jacocks, Jr. Phila., Stephanie J. Richardson Phila., Alicia J. Holmes (Steve) Phila., Sandra J. Michie (Van Sr.) Phila., Calvin W. Jacocks Phila., 1 adopted son, Clinton Edwards Phila., 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 3 great, great-grandchildren, 9 nieces, 11 nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. Sorrowfully Submitted the Family