Newburgh - Deaconess Shirley Ann Smith-Jacobs transitioned on November 29, 2018. She was born in Dunn NC to the late Hoover Smith & Betty Ruth McLean-Smith.

Shirley, as she was affectionately called enjoyed her childhood and her brothers & sisters. She attended school in Dunn NC. While the other youth were learning how to cook, sew and were playing house…she was busy studying how to fix a car. She graduated as the Valedictorian of her class.

Several of her family members had made Newburgh NY their home, so she decided to follow them. In Newburgh she got busy by attending secretarial classes at HVOIC. Deaconess Jacobs received her master’s degree in Theology from Newburgh Bible Institute.

It was in 1988 that she met and married the love of her life Deacon Franklin Jacobs.

Being a workaholic made it easy for Deaconess Jacobs to get a job at IBM.

Continuing her relationship with God, the family joined the First Born Church of the Living God, House of Joy which was the beginning of her work in the community. As a Grandmother that supported community involvement, she was totally committed to the activities of the children. Upon being invited by her daughter to a service she was led to join the New Beginner’s Church of Christ DOC of which the Pastor, Elder Eula Turner-Brock was a worker in the community as well. Along with the Pastor, she feed the hungry and passed out clothing to those in need. The first Newburgh Street Clean Up was organized by Deaconess Jacobs. She also operated a prison relief source to the men at Camp Lejeune in Middletown NY. She had many ministries at the New Beginner’s Church: Usher, Sunday School Teacher, Praise Dancer, the Church Secretary. A chaperone for the Pastor, where ever the Pastor had to go, the Jacobs were ready to take her.

Within the Northeastern District Assembly, she held many positions: Adult Counselor of the DCYF, Secretary of the Home Mission Convention, Member of Missionary #2, Member of the Missionary Choir, Adult Counselor of the Sunday School Annual Youth Retreat. Where ever and whenever there was a district affair, Deaconess Jacobs made it her business to be there to do her job.

She was a member of the Political Action Department in which Sister Sadie Tallie was the Director. She was also the Secretary for the Black History Committee of the Hudson Valley. One thing about Deaconess Jacobs in her work as the Secretary, she would not talk during the meetings, she would write down everything you said; good, bad or indifferent, if you said it, she wrote it…she would have won the Secretary of the Year award if we had one.

She leaves to cherish: Her Husband - Deacon Franklin Jacobs; Five Children - all of Newburgh, Tonya Smith (Sean David), Betty Jacobs (Darryl Jackson), James Jacobs, Mary Jacobs (Marvin Hall), and Chris Jacobs (Mytress Keshaw); 27 Grandchildren; 8 Great-Grandchildren; Three Sisters, Linda Smith – Schenectady, Mary Bailey (Ruben) – Newburgh, Crystal McLean – Newburgh, Janey Smith (Sister in law) - Dunn NC; One Brother, David Smith Greensboro NC; and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Godchildren and Friends. She was predeceased by her parents Hoover Smith & Betty Jean McClean-Smith and one brother; James Smith of Dunn NC.

Deaconess Jacobs lived a blessed life…she had great love for her family and the community. Her hobby was Bingo…her and Deacon Jacobs had many special moments playing Bingo.

Praise God for our Blessed Deaconess Shirley Ann Smith Jacobs.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 14, 2018 from 10 am 12 pm at Mount Carmel Church of Christ, 1524 Route 300, Newburgh. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Newburgh.

Arrangements are under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., Please visit Shirley’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.