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

From Marsha (sister)

Marsha’s Memories – 12 March 2015

When Shawna was little and our family went on a real vacation trip. We were traveling in the car on this long trip. I do remember that she was sitting in the back seat and she played with the car door handle until it opened and She wentflying out the door. Thank goodness she had a brief case that she was holding and landed on that instead of the road. When we screeched to a stop and went running back to get her and found out that she was alright. We sure were relieved.

When Shawna was in Jr. High and High School and we were living in Flagstaff, Arizona. We had a long living room with a fireplace at one end of it. We had a little black and white TV that was fuzzy and the picture would rotate. You really had concentrate to watch it to even see it or understand what was happening. During this time Shawna would be ironing her clothes or she would bedoing her homework instead of watching TV with us. She would just listen to our comments about the show or Dad’s game. We liked to watch Musicals with our parents. Dad liked singing along with them. Shawna was good at multi-tasking what she wanted done.

I remember when Shawna and Tami and Michele and Jerry and I and our parents enjoyed singing around the piano. Sometimes Mother would play (by ear and with cords) but mostly Michele or Tami or Shawna would play the piano. All of us at one time took piano lessons with some of the siblings they learned how to play but with others we quit practicing and never learned how and we were sorry later on. Shawna has always enjoyed music, whether it was singing or playing the piano or being in a play or skit.

Shawna enjoyed giving talks and she was good at it. At least that is the way it looked to me. She would study and practice real hard until she got the talk just the way she wanted it. Mother would have her practice on us and we would react. Sometimes she would get upset when we didn’t react the correct way that she thought we should.

Shawna loved to read and learn from School to Church studies. She made good grades in School and she got to go to College at BYU. She worked hard on her Young Women awards and she went to Girls Camp. She always did the best in everything she worked at. It was not easy for her but she was willing to put in the study time and work hard at it to achieve her goals.

We found out later that from all of her worrying and stewing over things that she got an ulcer from it. She was able to hide her feelings sometimes so we didn’t realize that she was having such a stressful time with her emotions over her studies or some activity in School or something at Church like giving a talk or be in a play or go to a dance or go on a date.

Shawna liked to know the details of situations. She gets that from our mother who likes details also. Shawna loves to visit and find out about people’s lives.

Shawna liked happy endings and wanted everyone to do what’s right and be happy. Shawna was a straight arrow and obeyed the rules at school and church.

We used to tease Shawna because she liked to eat tons of mustard, even by the spoonful’s. She would put it on everything. Shawna remembered a dream where she called out to Mr. Mustard and Mr. Catsup. Shawna loved the Spanish food that Mother would cook for large gatherings that were coming to visit. Shawna liked our mother’s Carrot/Pineapple cake and her Strawberry Bavarian Cream Jell-0 Salad that she would make for company.

Shawna was not a picky eater and never got tired of having Fried Chicken and Mash Potatoes with gravy and Green Beans every Sunday that mother cooked.

Shawna’s eyes were hazel on the blue side of it. Her eyes seem to change with the color of clothes that she wears. Shawna’s favorite colors are Turquoise and Purple but she was happy wearing almost any color. She enjoyed learning about the seasons andpersonalities of color and someone told her that she was a summer. She enjoys wearing thelighter and cooler colors. Shawna’s big sister styled her hair for her during her school days and so she went through all kinds of styles but she never crabbed about them. She did have her big sister give her a fancy hairdo on her wedding day.

Shawna would babysit and save her money. She didn’t like to spend her money. She would really have to think long and hard a while before she would spend her money on something.

Shawna enjoyed going to Family Reunions and visiting and seeing her cousins each year in the summertime. She enjoyed the racesby the ages and being in the talent show too. We visited our cousins at Thanksgiving in Cottonwood mostly. Sometimes at theChristmas vacation time we would go with the other cousins to help Uncle Boyd and Uncle Richard on the roundup at the Hackberry Ranch that was close to Kingman, Arizona.

After Shawna and Norm got married and lived in Provo, Utah while going to school and they enjoyed going to the Provo Temple. Marsha and Cliff lived in Provo also. They would take turns babysitting each other’s children so each couple could go to the Temple.

From Rachel Elaine Jackson Beech (sister in law)

I remember the wonderful greeting from Shawna in Flagstaff, Arizona seeing her with her brother and sisters as they were all going up the steps to the Stake Center on a cold wintery Sunday morning.  It must have been about early spring 1961.  Shawna is about 7 years younger than me so she was about 10 years old then.  I just remember the joy I felt to see them with their bright smiling faces.  It was such a wonderful feeling that I couldn’t help but feel greatly up-lifted and filled with happiness to see them.

I was so happy some years later in 1970 to witness the marriage of Shawna to my brother, Norman.  That was just wonderful news to me.

Each time I still see Shawna, I am filled with wonder by her smile.  She represents, to me, an angel on earth.

I love her true and abiding testimony of the gospel, her endurance, strength, example and faith.  She has shown me through the years the true principles of what living the gospel should be.

I have loved seeing her “mothering” as she has taught and raised each of her children and helped them with testimonies of their own.

I am so grateful for you, Shawna.  I love you with all my heart and thank Heavenly Father daily that you are a part of my life.  May our Heavenly Father bless you in all the ways you need and help you to endure your trials.

HAPPY 65th BIRTHDAY SHAWNA!!

Love you forever and always,

Your sister (in-law),  Rachel Elaine Jackson Beech

From Bonnie Jackson (mother in law)

I am so glad that my son, Norman, found Shawna and knew she was the special girl to be his eternal companion.

What a blessing she has always been to our whole family.

In speaking of families, I can understand why all of Norman and Shawna’s children have been and will always be faithful and true to the teachings of the true church.  Each day they were taught to say their individual prayers, and they have all studied the scriptures and had family prayer together each day.

I have never heard a cross word spoken from Norm or Shawna about anyone.

I know of times when money was scarce, but Shawna never complained.  She did the very best she could with hand-me-downs!

When Norman was in the hospital for so long, Shawna had such a responsible job of taking care of her family and spending as much time as possible with Norm.  I will always admire her for her faith and courage…driving back and forth from the hospital in Phoenix to Snowflake so many times a month and late at night was such a worry but she always made it just fine.

What a special lady Shawna is, with her lovely smile and happy greeting!

I am so thankful for such a lovely daughter (in-law).

Love forever, Mom Bonnie Jackson

From Shane (favorite son)

One of the things I remember is that when it was my turn to do the dishes Mom would come help me clean up… From what I can recall, it wasn’t like I whined because I had to do it so she took pity on me or something… But it felt more like she wanted to help as a way to show her love for me.  That would be our special time together where we would talk and I felt like she really cared about getting to know me better. That always meant so much to me. I really loved the way she worked beside me and made me feel special, important, and loved. I can never remember a single unkind word ever coming out of her mouth and that really set the bar high for me. It makes me want to live my life better because of the example and the way she lived hers.  A fun memory of mom was at reunions… I always think of her doing her white socks skit. I just always remember “slide you fool slide!” she cracked me up… I have such fond memories of her skits in the talent shows. I still laugh just thinking about it. I love you mom!

Love, Shane

From Pearl Tenney Romney (Mom)

   Shawna Romney’s Birth Story

By Pearl Tenney Romney

The old Mercy Hospital in Prescott, Arizona burnt down and so they turned the Jefferson school into a hospital. The new Prescott Community Hospital opened March 1, 1943. That is where Lee and Pearl Romney went to have their baby. Shawna and Tami were easier births than the first two babies.

We were living in the house that Lee built out at Forging Park which is off Iron Springs Road. By the time we traveled across town to reach the old Jefferson school that was turned into a hospital then the pains were really coming hard.

The nurses didn’t have time to prep me but just rushed us into the delivery room. When the nurse went to check to see the situation then she exclaimed, Oh, Oh, I see the head, the baby is coming. Someone call the Dr. and the Dr. lived just west of the hospital. The nurse grabbed a peri pad to put down to catch anything that would be coming out. It scarred me that she was doing that and so I cried out, Please don’t hurt my baby! I promise I won’t have anymore paaaains…. And out Shawna came at that moment!

The nurses held up my baby by the heels and was getting out any mucus in her mouth and I saw that we had a baby girl.

Then the Dr. came running in dressing on the run. The Dr. made it just in time to cut the cord. The Dr. then saw the situation that I was in and said, Now, Pearl, you have done so well this far. Your baby came out so fast that your skin ripped. If you can be brave and let me sew you up without any medication then you will heal faster. Are sure that your brave enough? I said, Yes! Then I endured the pain. I’m glad that I have a high thresh hold of pain.

Afterwards the Nurses brought in our baby daughter and put her on my chest and she raised up her head and looked around. We were so surprised but happy that she was such a healthy and strong baby.

From Joseph (son in law)

Memories of Shawna,

Shawna has always made me feel loved and accepted from the first time that I met her. It has now been over 15 years since I have known her and she has been a christ-like example of love and service, devotion and faithfulness. As I pondered upon her current situation with her health challenges I told her a few months ago that I felt the Lord had a great place in heaven prepared for her and this is just another thing that she needed to go through to prove her faithfulness to him. To obtain that great place of glory in heaven that is prepared for her.

I love you Shawna.

Happy birthday!

Love Joseph

From Marleen (Niece)

Hi Aunt Shawna!!!

The whistle game, balogna sandwiches, wheat pancakes, and cake with Newsies are fun memories I have with you!  

First, we were visiting at your home and it was one if your kids' birthday parties. We were down in your basement playing birthday party games and you taught us how to play this game where you had a whistle tied to the back of your pants. You'd back up to someone in the circle and that person would blow the whistle and the person in the center (who didn't know that you had the whistle tied to you) had to figure out who had the whistle.  Then you'd quickly move around in the circle so the kid in the middle couldn't figure out that you had the whistle.  Maybe the name of the game was, "Who blew (has) the whistle!".  We were teenagers and you were so excited about this game that none of us wanted to dampen your excitement with two glaring problems with this game!   First, we were sharing spit (germs) with each other via the whistle, and the second became very clear by the expression on one of the cute boy's faces when you backed up to him and he realized he'd have to stick his face up to your bum in order to blow the whistle!  Hahaha!  It was hilarious!  I laughed so hard!  Maybe the name of the game was, "Who can smell my rear and swap spit!"

Second, we came for another visit in Snowflake and you fed us balogna sandwiches with sliced tomatoes from your garden.  When I first found out that we were having balogna I was not thrilled.  I've never really liked balogna, but I was so hungry and this was all there was to eat, so I went for it and man!  Your balogna sandwiches were delicious!  I couldn't believe it!  Another time you fed us wheat pancakes with heated honey for syrup.  I was floored when I looked down at my pancakes.  I'd never seen wheat pancakes before and I'd never heard of using melted honey for syrup!  It did not sound very appetizing, but I was hungry and that's all that was being offered.  I was pleasantly surprised!  It was quite good and very filling!  Who would have thought!

Last, one night we were all watching "Newsies" upstairs in your Front Room (which was a treat because I don't ever remember watching shows in your home before or after that night) and you surprised us with a cake you had helped one of my cousins bake from a cake mix.  It was so yummy!  For some reason that cake was extra tasty.  Or maybe, food just tastes better in your house!

I love you Aunt Shawna!  You are so funny!  You crack me up with your excitement for life!

Love you,

Marleen

From Steve (son) additional post.

Just a few more I have to include:  Mom's rendition of "The White Sox (Socks) was awesome to listen to.  And her " Ticky- Tacky Timbu" rendition- we always asked her to repeat it again an again.  I still remember sitting waiting in some Dr.'s office or drivers license place while Mom helped me to memorize it- fun times!

Steve

From Steve (son)

I have been so blessed to be born and raised by a wonderful Mother! 

Some of my first memories of Mom include that at a very young age (probably 3 or 4).  I remember Mom had this long silky blue night gown that I loved to climb under and make a tent out of- I always felt so safe and protected and loved.  It was a wonder that Mom didn't trip over me and  get all tangled up!  (She probably did!)

Mom was always so kind and concerned for my welfare.  I remember how she would stay up late at night and wait for us to get home from our dates or various activities.  She always wanted to hear all about the "juicy details" and many times we would talk until the wee hours of the morning.  Mom was always there to listen to my concerns and just love me.

I remember how amazing it was that Mom could some how manage to make one can of tuna fish go around to fix 6 or 7+ tuna sandwiches for our lunches!  When it came time for supper, Mom always had lots of healthy veggies and fruits cut up for us so we would actually eat them.  Mom was always the last one at the dinner table to be "clean up" batter for all of us- it seems like meals were a major event for us- by the time we got one wrapped up it was time to start another and Mom was the one to sacrifice and make sure we always had plenty to eat. Mom always claimed that she likes the heel of her homemade bread but I often wonder if she was just making sure everyone had enough.   Corn meal mush with lots of honey was one of my favorites growing up and Mom seemed to make it "just right".  I also thought it was cool how good she could make boloney sandwiches taste so good when she would fry them up.

Mom saw to it that we had our music lessons.  I'm grateful now that we had that opportunity- I didn't like it at the time but I'm sure grateful now.  We each had the "opportunity" to take piano lessons and one other instrument.  I remember how it was like pulling teeth sometimes for me to practice the piano- how I would look for anything I could do to get out of it!  Yet I am so glad Mom stuck it out with me and have used it on my mission, at Church, and even just this morning in our family devotional (God Speed the Right...)- THANK YOU SO MUCH MOM!!!

Mom has always been so tender-hearted and  compassionate.  She was always there to comfort us after getting all banged and scraped up.  Even to this day one of her favorite phrases is "bless your heart"- and Mom means it!  

Mother, you have always been there for me through all the rough times and the good times.  You are the greatest!!  When you get to the other side the Lord will definitely invite you into His Kingdom with welcoming arms.  THANK YOU AGAIN FOR WHO YOU ARE- HAPPY BIRTHDAY- I LOVE YOU MOM!!!

-Steven Lamont

From Craig (Brother in Law)

I think that the first time I met Shawna was at our wedding. I remember that Michele had left for Christmas break and went to Colorado (if I am wrong on this please insert the right place) to visit Shawna and Norm. Since Michele and I had only been on one real date up to that time, I am not sure that she even mentioned me to the Jacksons. A month later Michele and I were engaged and seven weeks later we were married. Since our engagement went so fast, I don’t think that there was any time to meet Shawna before our wedding day. (You know that when you get old your memory starts to fade, so if any of this is wrong, please chalk it up to old age!)

I remember that when I first met Shawna I noticed what a pleasant personality she had. She didn’t get all wound up over things she was pretty even keeled, in fact both Shawna and Norm seemed to be very mellow. I often wondered if I could be that laid back once I started to have kids. I later found out that I couldn’t! Not long after Michel and I were married, the Jacksons moved to Cottonwood. One Thanksgiving we drove up to their house to celebrate the holiday. I don’t remember who all was there but I do know that there was a houseful. This must have been my first Thanksgiving as part of the Romney clan because I was not used to all of the chaos with all of the little kids. Charlene was not yet born so kids were still foreign to me.

Since we were at the Jackson’s house, Shawna carried the burden of all of the preparations and food being cooked there and all of the little one running around destroying the house. However, through all of this, Shawna still seemed relaxed and able to cope with all of the chaos without getting all wound up. It must have been an art form that she had either learned or had been born with. I couldn’t imagine anybody being so cool under so much pressure. Now, as I have known Shawna for 37 years (in five days!) I realize that that is her personality – she was born a kind, sweet, loving person that was always able to keep her cool. It had to be a blessing from heaven because I know that if I had to put up with all of those Jackson kids I would have been in the loony bin by now! (just kidding!)

Shawna, I hope that you have a very happy birthday. I know that you are going through some heavy personal trials with your health. Stay the same kind, loving person that you are and the Lord will bless you in all that you do. As Elder Steven K. Randall of the Seventy said to Michele, “your days are numbered only to God. In the meantime, live your life as if you were going to live forever and the Lord will bless you.” I am grateful to know such a loving and kind person as Shawna.

Craig Garvin

From Shalay (daughter)

Mom!     

   I can't believe its your birthday today! :) Happy Birthday! So many wonderful years of life you have had! From your dramatic White Socks, to your piano playing, We thank thee Oh God for a Prophet, you mother have been the best mother any girl could ask for! Remember when you used to curl my hair on Sunday mornings and how I hated it and fought you? Well afterwards I loved when you would sing to me, "Pretty As A Picture, Like the wind she flew, as she ran away she lost her little glass shoe." I love to think about your desire to help my feel beautiful inside and out. You always would jog in the Sundancer as we watched movies and could never just be sitting there, you always had to be doing something. You continuously increase your talents and I can't hear almost any hymn with out hearing your voice sing the Alto part. You always knew what was best for me. Remember when you forced me to go to Ballroom dance classes and I cried when I went because I was so shy?? Now ballroom dance is one of my favorite things in the world. You truly are one of my best friends. remember when I got a comment from my teacher on a math test about doing well and you sat on the bed with me and told me how proud you are of me? Even if you don't remember these things, I do! I have a foundation of the gospel because of your constant desire to serve. You knew everyone of our neighbors by name and you would bake a loaf of bread or you would bring over your new health "remedy" to share with our neighbors, member or not. you always have had such a desire to share the gospel and always brought someone with you to Relief Society activities. I have been told that I look like you, and I hope that one day I can live up to your wonderful, angelic legacy of who you are inside. I know that this mortal body has not allowed you to do some of the things that you have wanted to do in your life, but that doesn't change who you are. That does not change the immense life-changing impact that you have had on my life! I am so grateful and honored that I get to call you mother and I hope and pray that this Birthday is a special one for you! 

Love always, 

Shalay Laree <3 

P.S. I have a graduation picture of Tyler to give next time we see you! 

P.P.S. Glenn sends his love and birthday wishes too! :) 

From Holly (daughter)

Mom,
When I think of a lifetime of memories with such a wonderful person, where do I start?  My first recollection is the sound of your comforting voice as you held me in that checkered pink and white blanket.  I loved hearing your voice especially when you sang alto in the ward choir or sang hymns in church.  I learned how to sing alto by following you.

I remember you reading us bedtime stories.  We loved to hear you read us bedtime stories.  Many times they were from the Friend or other books.  Quite often you would fall asleep reading us bedtime stories, but we loved it anyway.

I remember when I was a teenager you were the best listener.  I would come home from High School and you would listen to me complain about boys or school work.  You were always the best sounding board.

I remember you playing "Wish You Merry Christmas" on the piano on Christmas morning as we all sang it and walked into the living room.  Another favorite was "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet".  You would play this on the piano to call us into the living room for devotional.

I have always looked up to your example of faithfulness and dedication.  You truly are a woman of faith.  I'm so grateful for the example you and Dad have set with your marriage.

I love you forever and I'm so grateful to call you Mother.

Love,
Holly

From Marsha (sister) Another post

                             Shawna gets determined when she sets her mind to doing something that is important to her. She is talented in writing poetry which she did for one of our Romney Reunions years ago.

 The Lee & Pearl Romney Family Tree

By Shawna Romney Jackson

For the 1979 Romney Reunion

The Lee & Pearl Romney Family Tree

Has a very interesting history as you will soon see,

First of all, Pearl, the baby of ten,

was destined to be great just because of her kin.

As a young girl, she was very choosey

And not just anyone could make her woozy.

So, she danced and she dined with the cowboys so fine.

And though they all made her head twirl,

They did not touch the heart of Pearl.

Thus 12 marriage proposals later,

She remained single and quite stable.

Though her dates had been such fun,

No spiritual depth had been strung.

Her heart longed for an eternal companion,

One who would endure through hardships and famine.

So, on a mission she did go,

For surely she would grow.

And perhaps the Lord would provide the way,

To send that special man to her soon someday.

That day did come when Pearl met Lee,

And oh, what a giant in Spirituality;

His staunch rich heritage was impressive indeed,

But his knowledge of the Gospel was what sent her to her knees.

Tall, dark and handsome was almost more than she could ask,

And his captivating smile, made her heart go flitter flap.

They had some things in common,

He too came from a big family tree,

The middle of nine children was he.

Yet she was more outgoing,

Less reserve and shy like Lee.

They wrote back and forth and then Pearl he came to see.

A wonderful time too soon was over.

But he had not yet asked her his wife to be.

So, she finagled and used her womanly powers,

To get her 13^th proposal by the eleventh hour.

United then they did become.

An ETERNAL unit from day one.

If they but worthy live to be

Their Temple Marriage will bind them

THROUGH ALL ETERNITY!

First to bless their home was brown-eyed Marsha.

Curly, jet-black hair with a temperament to match.

A bossy nature she did not lack.

But we all dearly love her,

And Cliff surely saved the day,

When he snatched her up and married her

And brought us the WATTS line way!

Next to join the ranks was Jerry Lee,

The only boy on this family tree.

He came on earth with a great big bang,

Cause it was the 4^th of July from whence he sprang.

Pat, we love you, you’re an angel, yes indeed.

Pat you kept Jerry from the disaster

Of being a bachelor at age thirty!

Shawna was third to join the family,

And though she was the middle,

She did not want to average be.

So, off to BY “Woo” she went.

While there she found her Norm,

Who was heaven sent.

Next in line was Tamara,

A blue-eyed blonde and Grandma Romney’s “China Doll”,

A trip to Grand Canyon, Tami did go,

With a handsome Dave, who was so very tall.

He wouldn’t bring her out if to him, she would say, No,

So, of course, she said, “Yes” and very happily so.

Last, but not least, came talented Michele.

Musician, typist, whatever you needed,

Just ask Michele and she’ll complete the deed.

Thank goodness for Craig for he has done so much,

To calm her impatient spirit and to help her be patient with us.

What a blessing it is to have all five,

Married in the Temple, in that we take great pride!

And, of course, the beautiful grandchildren that have all been brought in.

With the Gospel to guide them, they will surely win.

Isn’t it wonderful, Dad and Mom,

To enjoy the harvest that you’ve worked for so long.

Oh, may we live faithful.

May we be true, to the teachings you’ve taught us.

Through all the hardships too.

That we may unite in the Royal Courts on High

And gain for us all ETERNAL LIFE!