Susan Jean Jackson

Susan “Susie” Jean Shepard Jackson was born on August 16, 1945, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Earl and Emma Lou Shepard. She spent the majority of her life in Austin, Texas, where she died peacefully in her sleep at home at the age of 81.

Susan attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas, graduating in 1963. She went on to attend the University of Oklahoma, where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority and earned a degree in Zoology. She later attended the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where she earned her degree in Physical Therapy and met her former husband, Dr. O.B. Jackson, as well as many lifelong friends. As a physical therapist, she developed a special interest in aquatic therapy and continued her education through workshops and international training.

Susan had a lifelong love of animals, nature, cooking, tennis, travel, and adventure, especially with her friend Terri. A gifted athlete, she was once ranked fourth in the state in competitive tennis and also competed in fun runs, triathlons, a marathon, and numerous cycling events. Her adventurous spirit took her scuba diving with paraplegic divers and trekking through the Himalayas with her dear friend Judy of London, England.

Susan loved to cook and could spend hours reading recipes. Her extensive cookbook collection was a testament to her curiosity and love of food. Anyone who would like one of Susie’s treasured cookbooks is invited to reach out to Katie. She also loved a good joke, could tell a wonderfully long story, and had an infectious laugh that will be deeply missed.

Susan is survived by her children, Kerry Jackson Adams, Oscar Branche Jackson III (Trey), and Katie Jackson Rienzi; her brother, Bob Shepard; sister-in-law, Cydney Shepard; cousin, Harriet Olmstead; four nieces; seven nephews; five grandchildren; and one beloved cat.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Emma Shepard; one of her twin half-brothers; her aunts and uncles; and her beloved dog, Lulu.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is finally at peace with her Lord and Savior, and that her body is now whole.

Susan’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Norma Bautista for her devoted care, kindness, and companionship to Susie.

In accordance with Susan’s wishes, a small family celebration of life will be held on November 8 at her brother’s lake house.