On June 26, 2008, Portia Shipman founded The Sherri Denese Jackson Foundation for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Inc. (SDJF) along with her twin daughters, Terri Johnson and Torri Johnson.

Sherri Denese Jackson was a beautiful young woman who found herself a victim of domestic violence with seemingly nowhere to go for help. Too embarrassed about being with an abusive boyfriend, DeCarlo Bennett, and too ashamed to ask for help, Sherri attempted to leave on her own.  In late 2006, Jackson filed for an order of protection against Bennett. Decarlo then began stalking Sherri and ultimately took her life, just three days after Thanksgiving (2006). For 19 months, Sherri’s body remained hidden until Bennett was summons to disclose it's location as part of a plea bargain with the District Attorney’s office.

On June 26, 2008 at about 1:30 pm, Bennett led authorities to Sherri Jackson’s remains in the backyard of his mother’s home. Sherri Denese Jackson was only 27 years old at the time her life was unfairly and brutally cut short. On July 7, 2008, Sherri’s body was finally put to rest in her hometown of Morganton, NC.

Decarlo Bennett was convicted of second degree murder and was sentenced to only 13 years in prison.

Sherri Denese Jackson

 Mrs. Clara Jackson, Sherri’s mother, requested that a foundation be established in the hopes that no mother would have to feel the pain of losing their  daughter so violently, and that no woman would have to suffer the same terrible fate that befell Sherri.

 Portia Shipman founded the Sherri Denese Jackson for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Inc. (SDJF)  in 2008 to help victims of domestic abuse reclaim their lives by breaking free from domestic abuse and educating the community in hopes to save lives. Since then, the  Sherri Denese Jackson Foundation has expanded its vision and goals. They have had hundreds of people participate in their programs and have reached thousands through public awareness campaigns, as well as through their website.

The foundation is dedicated to saving the lives of women, men, and children, including members and veterans of the armed forces, one life at time.