NAMI Mourns the Passing of Longtime Texas Leader Jackie Shannon

Daniel H. Gillison Jr., CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), today issued the following statement:

“The NAMI community was saddened to learn about the passing last week of one of our great leaders of nearly four decades, Jackie Shannon.

“Just like so many of NAMI’s earliest founders, Jackie was the mother of a son with a serious mental illness. She set aside her career as a teacher and channeled her love for Gregory into a lifetime of ardent advocacy, founding the NAMI-San Angelo (Texas) affiliate with her late husband, Charley.

“For decades, she was a voice for many whose voices had too often gone unheard. Her work spanned a broad range of issues for those living with mental illness, helping pass important legislation like parity for mental health care, and advocating for people with mental illness in the justice system.

“Jackie would go on to serve as president of NAMI-Texas. She joined NAMI National’s Board of Directors in 1995 and later served as president of the national board for three terms from 1998 to 2001. In 2010, Jackie was recognized for her lifetime of work with the Outstanding NAMI Member Award.

“We offer our deepest condolences to Jackie’s family and loved ones. Her loss will be deeply felt by the NAMI community in Texas and nationwide.”

In lieu of flowers, Jackie’s family is suggesting donations to NAMI Texas or NAMI National.