Beloved Black Teacher of the Year From Mississippi Killed in Wrong Way Crash

Nationwide — Tyra Small-Jackson, a 48-year-old teacher from Canton, Mississippi, who was named Teacher of the Year at the middle school where she taught, has tragically died in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 55.

Authorities from the Gluckstadt Police Department reported that Jordan Sullivan, a 32-year-old woman, was driving in the wrong direction on the interstate when he collided head-on with Jackson’s vehicle, resulting in her death. Three others were injured.

Sullivan has since been charged with aggravated DUI, and her bond has been set at $250,000, according to WAPT.

Small-Jackson dedicated 23 years to the Canton Public School District, recently earning the honor of Nichols Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2023-2024. Described as a beacon in her community, she touched countless lives with her passion for education.

“Her beautiful spirit will forever live on in the memory and the hearts and minds of the countless lives she touched,” the school district said in a statement. “We are thankful for Mrs. Small-Jackson’s years of distinguished service to the Canton Public School District. She dedicated her life to making sure her students felt loved and prepared for the next level. She will be truly missed.”

Small-Jackson leaves behind a loving family, including her husband, 3 children, a grandchild, 3 sisters, and her parents. Her family plans to honor her legacy by establishing scholarship opportunities in the Canton Public School District.

“We have strong faith, so we will get through it,” said her sister, Sharetta Donalson.