Jeanne Carter Luckey, Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Trustee, died Thursday, Nov. 7, at the age of 63. She is remembered by her family, friends and IHL colleagues as a kind and determined woman.

Luckey, a well-known and loved fixture in her community, died unexpectedly and peacefully in her sleep in her home in Ocean Springs at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 7, according to her obituary.

The obituary describes Luckey as a “formidable women” who, despite battling health challenges and physical limitations following a car accident, dedicated her life to serving others through her career and in her personal life.

“Luckey was a formidable advocate for the welfare of others, and a dedicated servant of the GOP platform becoming a prominent leader among Republican women in Ocean Springs — and a nationally recognized champion of the conservative movement,” the obituary reads.

Friday morning, the Mississippi IHL released a statement announcing Luckey’s death.

“It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning shares the passing of Trustee Jeanne Carter Luckey,” the statement reads.

In the IHL statement, Dr. Al Rankins Jr., commissioner of higher education, remembered his colleague fondly.

“Jeanne Luckey brought an energy and a commitment to her work as a trustee that resonated throughout our state’s public university system, and we are all better for having worked with her,” Rankins Jr. said. “Students for years to come will benefit from her dedication to higher education in Mississippi.”

Thursday evening, University of Mississippi Chancellor Glenn Boyce released a statement saying he and the university community were deeply saddened to learn of Luckey’s passing.

“A brilliant mind and devoted public servant, she championed education throughout her life — even as an undergraduate at Ole Miss in her decision to pursue special education,” Boyce said. “Trustee Luckey touched countless lives through her community service and civic leadership across Mississippi. Her tireless advocacy made her an invaluable voice on the IHL Board. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Around the same time Thursday evening, Gov. Tate Reeves took to Facebook to express his sadness and extend his condolences.

“Elee and I are heartbroken to learn that Jeanne Luckey of Ocean Springs passed away this morning,” the Facebook post reads. “Jeanne was a good friend to both of us, but she was also so much more than that— a dedicated wife, an excellent mother, an IHL Board member and an excellent representative of Mississippi as our national committeewoman and member of the Republican National Committee. Please keep Alwyn and the entire Luckey family in your prayers during this difficult time. Mississippi will miss you, Jeanne!”

Luckey was appointed to the IHL Board of Trustees by then-Governor Phil Bryant in May 2018. Her term was set to expire May 7, 2027.

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Among other accomplishments within the IHL, Luckey served as vice president of the IHL Board of Trustees and chair of the ADA and Accessibility Services Task Force.

Luckey also spent her educational career in Mississippi, earning her bachelor’s degree in special education at the University of Mississippi and a master’s in special education at the University of Southern Mississippi.

An active member of her community in Ocean Springs, Luckey also served as a Republican National Committeewoman, and she was a member of the Presidential Nominating Committee and the RNC Budget Committee.

Luckey is survived by her husband and high school sweetheart, Alwyn Luckey, and their two daughters, Laurel and Taylor.