Jerrelyn Redmond Jackson Veasley: A Legacy of Inspiration and Compassion

Aug 15

Established in memory of beloved Kosciusko educator and coach Jerrelyn Redmond Jackson Veasley, the fund will recognize female student-athletes who reflect her commitment to excellence in the classroom and on the basketball court.

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Jerrelyn Redmond Jackson Veasley was a force to be reckoned with – a beloved educator, coach, and community leader whose energy and positivity touched the lives of countless students and families in Kosciusko, Mississippi.

Her spirited nature and natural talent for connecting with people set her apart, as her brother Jerald fondly recalled. “She was always very comfortable in uncomfortable situations. She had incredible patience and was able to put people at ease.”

This ability to make others feel valued and supported would become the hallmark of Jerrelyn’s remarkable career. After excelling in basketball at Kosciusko High School and Holmes Community College, she went on to earn her degree from Mississippi State University. Jerrelyn then spent several years teaching in Dallas, Texas before returning home to Kosciusko, where she poured her heart into the local school system.

As a teacher, coach, and administrator, Jerrelyn left an indelible mark in Kosciusko, guiding her basketball teams to success and serving as a mentor and role model. Her passion and dedication eventually led her to become the high school principal and ultimately the curriculum coordinator for the school district.

Tragically, Jerrelyn’s life was cut short in early 2024 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Her legacy will live on through the Jerrelyn Redmond Jackson Veasley Lifetime Athletic and Scholastic Award Endowed Fund, established by her family at the Community Foundation for Mississippi. This fund and award will honor Jerrelyn’s wish near the end of her life – to recognize an outstanding female basketball player at Kosciusko High School who also excels in the classroom.

Support from the Kosciusko community has been crucial to the fund’s creation. Many people donated to the family in the days following her passing, helping to seed the fund at CFM. Jerald says his family is grateful for the support and hopes this fund will continue to tell his sister’s story for many years to come.

“She was a pretty amazing person,” said Jerald. “She was a great leader of children and young adults – an inspiring person. We want to make sure her legacy lives on.”