In Memory

Shelby Novak (Jackson) - Class Of 1954

Shelby Novak (Jackson)

Robert Olen Jackson, 88, of Claremont, passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 and his wife Shelby Jean (Novak) Jackson, 84 also of Claremont, passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 both at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney.

A Celebration of Life service for Robert, Shelby and their daughter Pat Harmon will be at 10 AM on Saturday, September 11, 2021 in the chapel of Crest Haven Memorial Park in Claremont. Pastor Mike Baker will be officiating and assisted by the Richland County Veteran’s Organization. Cremation rites will be accorded.

Robert was born on June 7, 1933 in Olney, the son of Albert and Gertrude (Hamilton) Jackson. Shelby was born on October 12, 1936 in Olney, the daughter of Edward and Beulah (Nicholas) Novak. Robert and Shelby were married on October 15, 1954 in Olney and were married for 66 years.

Robert was a PVT in the United States Army during the Korean War Conflict and worked for Norris Electric Co-op for several years. Shelby was a housewife for many years raising their 5 children. Robert was the Mayor of Claremont for 13 years. Shelby was an avid quilter and has made hundreds of quilts during her lifetime. Robert was a member of the American Legion in Olney and Shelby was a past member of the Olney Quilting Guild. Shelby enjoyed quilting, sewing and tending to her garden and flowers. Robert enjoyed woodworking, being an electrician and listening to music.

Robert and Shelby are survived by their 2 children Carol Sue Schrader of Claremont and Lee Jackson of Sullivan, IL; 8 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Shelby is also survived by her sister Jessie Brown (Bill) of Mt. Erie and sister-in-law Evelyn Novak of Calhoun.

The couple is preceded in death by their parents Albert and Gertrude Jackson and Edward and Beulah Novak, their son Jackie Allen Jackson, 3 daughters Letha Jackson, Linda Capps, and Pat Harmon. Shelby is also preceded by her 3 brothers Meryl, Robert, and Jerry Novak and sister Mary Cunningham.

Memorials can be sent to the Olney Valor Quilters in memory of Robert and Shelby Jackson.

Thrasher Family Funeral Home, Olney, IL – August 12, 2021