Shirley Ann Jackson Tacey

Shirley Ann Jackson Tacey of Fairgrove, age 81, passed away peacefully at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community in Caro on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Shirley was born on July 2, 1943 in Kentucky, the daughter of the late James “JW” Jackson and Lucille (Hutchins) Yates. After the untimely passing of her father, her mother married Francis Yates, who lovingly raised Shirley as his own. She met Gary Thomas Tacey in Fort Knox, Kentucky and the couple was married on May 5, 1962. They cherished over fifty-three years of marriage before his passing on June 3, 2015. Throughout her life, Shirley wore many hats. She worked as a substitute teacher, a wastewater treatment analyst, and, most notably, as a compassionate caregiver to many. She found joy in the beauty of the outdoors; birdwatching, working in her garden, and watching the sun set over the bay. Above all, Shirley treasured time spent with her family.

Left to cherish Shirley’s memory are three children and their spouses, Steve & Kelly Tacey, Lisa & Chester Johnson, and Cyndi & Tim Hardin; eleven grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and twelve brothers and sisters. In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by a son, Gary Thomas Tacey II; her step-father, Francis Yates; a brother; a sister; a granddaughter; and two great-grandchildren.

Shirley’s family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family, c/o Lisa Johnson, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 48723.