Odessa Celebrates 101st Birthday of Longtime Resident

Janelle Jackson Shirley attributes her longevity to writing and family

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Janelle Jackson Shirley, a 101-year-old resident of Odessa, Texas, was honored by the city with a special proclamation on her birthday. Shirley, who has lived in Odessa since 1947, is a founding member of the local Church of Christ and ran a successful business with her late husband. She is also an author who has worked to preserve her family's history for future generations.

Why it matters

Shirley's story highlights the importance of community engagement and preserving local history. As a centenarian, she represents the resilience and longevity of Odessa's residents, many of whom have deep roots in the city. Her commitment to writing and recording her family's past serves as an inspiration for others to document their own histories.

The details

The city of Odessa issued a special proclamation honoring Janelle Jackson Shirley on her 101st birthday. Shirley, who moved to Odessa in 1942 and returned in 1947, has been an active member of the community, founding a local Church of Christ and running a successful business with her late husband. She is also a published author who has worked to preserve her family's history through writing.

  • Janelle Jackson Shirley turned 101 years old on February 18, 2026.
  • Shirley first came to Odessa in 1942 and then returned in 1947, where she has lived ever since.

The players

Janelle Jackson Shirley

A 101-year-old resident of Odessa, Texas, who is a founding member of the local Church of Christ, a former business owner, and a published author focused on preserving her family's history.

Lynn Justis

The daughter of Janelle Jackson Shirley, who spoke about her mother's legacy and the city's proclamation honoring her 101st birthday.

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What they’re saying

“I've never been 101 before, so I don't know how I'm supposed to feel, but right now I feel nothing but grateful for all of it. All you have done to make it a special day.”

— Janelle Jackson Shirley (KMID/KPEJ)

“This is the proclamation naming Janelle Jackson Shirley's day today on her 101st birthday. She came to Odessa in 1942 for a brief stint and then returned in 1947, and has been here ever since. So, she's very active. She was a founding member of the Church of Christ here, and she also had a very successful business with my father, and that is probably her biggest legacy, her business and her church.”

— Lynn Justis, Daughter of Janelle Jackson Shirley (KMID/KPEJ)

“Being able to record family history in writing stories about my family so that the next generations will be able to know something of the ones that went before them, and also being a published author, but during my later years was quite exciting also.”

— Janelle Jackson Shirley (KMID/KPEJ)

“If it isn't recorded by one generation, it takes one generation to lose it all.”

— Janelle Jackson Shirley (KMID/KPEJ)

What’s next

Shirley said she is looking forward to trying to make it to 102 years old.

The takeaway

Janelle Jackson Shirley's story is a testament to the importance of community engagement, preserving local history, and passing down family legacies. Her longevity and commitment to writing and recording her family's past serve as an inspiration for others to document their own histories and celebrate the resilience of long-time residents in Odessa.