Born and raised in Fresno California, Shirley Grace attained her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Fresno with a major in music performance and her Masters is Public Administration. She spent a number of years working in the performing arts arena however her business career quickly consumed the majority of her time. Shirley was an independent insurance agent in private industry for seventeen years focusing on business insurance, life and health primarily. Her second career was in both private and public industry in technology for nine years. Shirley retired in 2005 as the Information Technology Manager of the Fresno County Sheriff's Department.

Shirley is active in local and international community service and is currently the President of the Rotary Club of Fresno. She is married to Dick Jackson a retired Captain with the Fresno City Fire Department and they have seven children and fourteen grandchildren whom they enjoy spending time with now that they are both retired.