From: Kristi (neice)

A distinct memory of Aunt Shawna is her always coming up with new rules for her kids, new ways to help them become better, and her telling my mom these rules, and because my mom looks up to her big sister so much her coming home and all the sudden her rules being implemented in our household. Shalay and I called it feeding off each other. Aunt Shawna has always been one to push her kids to be the best, and it has paid off immensely. You wouldn’t peg her as one who “spoils her kids rotten” because who wants rotten kids… but this same folocify did not apply when it came to her niece, me. Aunt Shawna always spoiled me! I remember time after time going over to the house and her letting me eat as many pieces of toast as I wanted, when her kids we’re only aloud a certain allotment for that day. 

One time in particular, the jacksons and I had walked to a shopping strip, I hadn’t brought any money, and so the Jackson kids sweetly aloud me to borrow some. I was careful with my purchases and very happy with them, when aunt Shawna came to pick us up. As she was driving us home, her kids and I talked about me running inside the house to get my money to pay them back. Aunt Shawna, overhearing the conversation said, oh honey you don’t need to pay us back.. you should have seen all our faces! 

Shalay and I both had a severe case of homesickness and this would happen each time we would spend the night at each others house. I, unlike Shalay(poor aunt Shawna) would stick it out and stay there till my homesickness was over. I remember many a time in that old bathtub getting over throwing up, poor aunt Shawna has seen too many sights an aunt shouldn’t have to see.

I remember after Mom and Dad got a divorce we got to go stay at Aunt Shawnas, it was like a dream come true, if you can imagine! Two best friends getting to get ready each morning with each other singing to music talking about boys, and Aunt Shawna would come in, mid boy conversations, and ask ooh who are we talking about now? She would bring in our breakfast to us, a slim shake and her and uncle norms famous pancakes! 

I love my Aunt Shawna so much, she is the Aunt I feel most close to and have always felt her love, support, and faith in me, no matter what stage of my life I have been in. Im so grateful for her amazing example and her charity for me over my growing up years! I could never ask for a better second mom than one so completely like my own mother! 

I love you Aunt Shawna! Love, Kristi

Shawna Romney Jackson

Shawna Romney Jackson

SHAWNA ROMNEY JACKSON WE LOVE YOU !

MARCH 13, 2015

This site has been created with the sole intention of bringing together a compilation of thoughts, memories and experiences that we all have had with my beloved mother of TEN children Shawna Romney Jackson !

The idea for this was inspired by our friends and family and hopefully with the support of that same family and friends will be a great success !

Thank you for all of your support and love this is for you mom !!!!   WE love you !!!

From Marsha and Pearl (sister and mother)

When Mother and I were talking then we remembered when we were living in Phoenix by the Black Canyon Highway in a track home with a side walk. Shawna must have been about 5 or 6 years old then.  She would get one of the apple wooden crates that our father would bring home from working for Romney Produce and she would stand it on it’s end on the sidewalk. She would pretend that it was her pulpit and she had a Book of Mormon and she would preach the gospel to any people that passed by her. She started out as a young missionary in those days. Shawna has always enjoyed sharing the gospel message with others.

From Tami (sister) and Doug (brother in law)

My Dearest Sister Shawna,

    How can I ever put into words the precious moments and memories I've had with you?! [My Exemplar and closest Sister Friend and Sister in age!]

  You were always our Peacemaker in the Family!  In fact I don't ever remember having an argument or fighting with you. Who would ever want to do that?  You lived on a higher plane and were so diplomatic and fair that you [amazingly] were able to kindly work out any differences that someone might have had, without stirring up contention! 

 On special occasions as a close Family, we would spend time reading aloud to each other our Patriarchal Blessings for Family Home Evening. It helped us develop a greater love and appreciation for one another and thrill in the gifts and blessings that were uniquely in store for each other!  I remember that Jerry's Blessing told of the great love he had for his Parents and Family, and always knew why he loved keeping track of relatives and enjoyed  talking about everyone's Genealogy. And Marsha was promised that she would live a righteous life and then be changed in the twinkling of an eye. [Remember what a blessing that was when she was going to Rose Mar Beauty School down in the Valley, when we heard on the radio that there had been a mass shooting there. You and I were in a Stake Volleyball Tournament, and Daddy and Michele were there to cheer us on. Remember how Daddy took all of us into a small room down the hall from the Gym, where we all knelt down to pray for Marsha's protection. I remember before we prayed what a sick feeling I had in the pit of my stomach, that I couldn't even eat my lunch. But right after Daddy's prayer, we remembered the promise in her Patriarchal Blessing,.. and it made it possible for us to finish off the tournament with faith and trust in the Lord that Marsha would be OK. Sure enough, Daddy kept calling home until Mom finally receive news that Marsha had called and was alright! What a comfort and relief to know she was safe and unharmed!  

Then in Michele's Patriarchal Blessing, she was promised that she had a gift in music and if she chose to develop it she would receive great rewards. At her Funeral as we looked up and saw the stand and choir loft filled with family and friends singing her song,....wasn't it a thrilling sight to see?!  Didn't we know just how happy she must have been?! 

  Honey after reading your Patriarchal Blessing today, I forgot that you also were blessed  to be able to "teach through the medium of music," because of "your thorough understanding of the principles of the Gospel."  Your gift of Faith was mentioned several times, "that through your faith many shall be healed." "You shall visit the sick and you shall comfort and strengthen them. You shall pray for those in need and they shall be helped." [I remember the times you would come by our House in town, and I had been so depressed that I was in bed. [I was too embarrassed to let you know how down I really was.] But you would stop in and bring a special article in the Ensign that you felt I needed. After visiting with you a little bit, I felt so much better!  Because of your cheerful uplifting attitude, you never judged me for being so down and discouraged, but would be so compassionate and understanding.  You always looked for positive answers and offered me such good suggestions!  And after you left, I felt so much better!  You filled me with hope... because of your shining example it gave me the will to try hard again!  I always wanted to be like you, so that seemed to give me the motivation to get myself going again! [And I thought so much of you that I didn't want to disappoint you!] 

Your Blessing also told how much the Lord loves you for your faith, your gentleness and for your love for your parents. "He loves you for the influence that you shed upon His children in your heavenly home...to accept [His plan of Salvation] and not follow the plan given by Satan."  { Wow! What an effective warrior you were for the Lord!]

The part of your Blessing that I loved as a young girl growing up, was where it told: ...when you left your heavenly home, the Savior placed His hands upon your head and set you apart and gave you a blessing that you may be able to combat and overcome temptation." [Just reading it again,... still makes me cry like it did back then. That's why I felt like you were an earthly Angel!]  You always seemed more like my mother than a sister,... because you were always encouraging me to do the right thing!  [Like the way Natalie felt about Rosy!]   When I'd get off the bus and come home from school hauling all my heavy books in one arm and my saxophone case in the other. As soon as I got the front door of our house open, I would just drop my heavy armload onto the closest couch I could get to in the Living Room!  But somehow you were always there to say: "Oh honey, why don't you just carry those on into  your room and then you won't mess up the Living Room and have to clean it later?!"  [How could I ever argue with such kind and gentle persuasion and reasoning?!!]

One of the earliest memories I have was kind of a funny one. I guess we shared our baths together when I was little,... so that on Saturday night you could make sure I got my hair washed clean enough for Sunday.  I remember how you would have me lay down in front of you with my head in your lap, so you could shampoo my hair.  You were so gentle when you poured water over my hair and didn't get any in my eyes. I trusted you because my ears were under the water, and usually I couldn't stand getting water in my ears. As you washed and rinsed my hair you would be talking to me upside down,....and your bottom lip looked like your top lip and your top lip became like your bottom one to me. There I was with my ears under water not really being able to hear you, but just thinking how funny and different you looked upside down with your mouth movin' up and down!

   Shawna dear, there were so many memories and experiences I had with you, since Daddy's accident when Mom had to go out and work. I felt like I had 4 mothers! Grandma Tenney who came to live with us, Marsha, you and Mother! How can a one girl be so blessed?! [Having 4 bosses!]  

After you got married and started having children, by the time you got to Heather, I had gotten married and had Darci. When you guys moved up to Snowflake, we really started getting to have more contact and have our kids grow close.  Then when we moved up to Snowflake too to get to live by the Jackson Cousins, our kids got to grow up like Bro. and Sisters! What a fun life and memories they all had together!

  Darn Honey, there are just so many memories to mention, but I'm already getting this Birthday Letter off to you late and I'm supposed to be at the Stake Women's Conference in a few minutes. But I just want you to know just how very much I love you my dear Shawna and have been praying fervently that your Hospital visit yesterday [on your Birthday] was a blessing!... and that those attending you were directed by the Lord, and truly inspired!

  I want you to know that Doug also loves and prays for you in every prayer. And Bro. Mike Lunt your hometeacher  told us that you are being prayed for in High Council Meeting.

       We know what a precious daughter of our Heavenly Father you are and I feel so privileged to have been blessed to be your little sister!

                     All my [and our] Love,  

         Always, Forever and Eternally,

                  Tami and Doug

                       OXOXOX      

From Sharee (daughter)

Dear Mom,

How do I count all the ways I love you?  You have sacrificed so much for me!  You are the greatest example to me of Christlike love.  As a parent, I have come to love and appreciate your sacrifices for me even more.  Often times I will think to myself.  What would my mom do in this situation? It is amazing to me how much long-suffering, patience and kindness that you have exhibited throughout your life.  I remember how you’d never go to bed unless the kitchen had “gone to bed” or was all cleaned up.  Many nights I have gone to bed with dirty dishes and thought to myself, “How did mom have the strength and energy with 10 kids to stay up and clean the kitchen?” I honestly don’t know how you did it! Also, I remember how organized you were and how you’d always make your bed.  I don’t ever remember seeing your bed not made.  That is something that I try to do every day, because my mama taught me. :) I’m not perfect at it, but it always makes me feel better when I walk into a room with a made up bed.

I remember those long nights that you’d stay up with me, helping me write my essays for Ms.Cunningham’s class. Then, once it was written, you’d let me go to bed while you stayed up and typed it up for me.  I can’t believe how sweet you were to do that.  Also, I still cant figure out where you got the energy for it! :)

I am so thankful that you made sure our family had Family Home Evening every Monday night.  We also had scripture study every morning!  I remember I’d bring the curling iron into the living room and curl my hair in the mirror until it was my turn to read my verse.  I think we’d read an entire chapter every morning.  I remember we’d have to get up super early on Fridays because I had Seminary Student Council before school, but you still had us get up, even earlier than that, so we’d be able to get our scriptures in for the day. Now I look back on how consistant you were with that and I KNOW that is why none of your children have strayed from the gospel.  There is a promise from the Brethren that if you have Family Home Evening and Family Scripture Study on a daily basis, your children will NOT fall away.  They may lose their way for a bit, but eventually they will come back to the Gospel.  What a beautiful promise that is.

I remember that you agreed to find a way for me to have braces even though is was SO expensive.  But you knew how desperately I needed it to help my self-esteem. Somehow you were able to find a dentist in Showlow that agreed to take chopped wood in payment for braces. So Dad and Steve and I’m sure the other boys would go out every Saturday for weeks and cut wood and haul it to Showlow. I think he gave us $100-200 credit per load. It seems like Dad took him 10 Cords of wood.  Wow!  Still to this day that touches my heart that you loved me so much that you found a way to make that possible for me.

You also wanted your children to grow up educated, not only in the gospel, but also in the Arts with plays, musicals, piano lessons, and dance lessons.  Remember how Heather and I got to take clog lessons from Sis.Ellsworth? In turn for that, we would go to her house and clean, or babysit.  You somehow were able to “wheel and deal” with these people of Snowflake to get the things for your children that you felt were important, and they were things that we treasure to this day.  Because I knew how to clog, I made the Clogging Team at Ricks and was able to go perform with them. Heather made a team at Ricks and was able to tour internationally with them. Somehow we took piano lessons and you found money for that.:) Because I know we wouldn’t be willing to do a trade for that!. Ha! Ha! Except for Holly! I know somehow you paid for her to have lessons with a famous guy in Showlow.  Anyways, the point is, you always put your children first and not yourself.  I don’t remember ever once you going and getting a new dress, or your nails done, or going out to lunch with your lady friends.  You were always thinking about your children and how you could enhance their lives.

Well mom, I love you SO MUCH and am so grateful I was blessed to come to your home.  I must have done something right in Heaven to be so priviledged!  I hope that I can be just like you when I grow up someday!  I love you more than words can express! You are an elect lady that I will honor the rest of my life.

Happy Birthday!

Love forever,

Sharee

From Jerry (brother)

Jerry remembers: growing up with Shawna and Tami and Michele and attending School & Church activities together.

Jerry would wash the dishes as his sisters would do the cooking of the meal. He would thank them for the good meal that he was eating no matter what it was like. He would talk them into making his school lunch for him by telling them what a good job they did on their lunches.

He enjoyed teasing his sisters at home and school and church. Sometimes he would get to laughing so hard over it. They would get frustrated with him but he could make them smile all at the same time. He could always talk them into doing something for him like ironing him a shirt for a dance or church, etc. He made sure that he would dance with his sisters before he danced with any other girls. He wanted to show the boys what good dancers they were. After that they didn’t have any problems having boys dance with them.

They enjoyed singing together. Jerry, Shawna, Tami and Michele went on a trip together to Israel and they sang while they were there. They enjoyed sightseeing in Israel with the group of LDS Institute young men and young women. The Institute Director was their tour guide.

Love you sis Jerry