The Ocean Springs Weekly Record
Advocate to Political Trailblazer: Jeanne Luckey's Legacy Honored with Top Award
JEANNE LUCKEY: Named for Mississippi Top 50 Hall of Fame Posthumously
By Leigh Coleman
OCEAN SPRINGS, MS — From the quiet streets of Ocean Springs to the national political stage Jeanne Carter Luckey built a legacy defined by fearless leadership, grace under pressure, and a deep resolve for service to others as her highest calling.
Ocean Springs lost one of its most influential political voices with the passing of Jeanne Carter Luckey, a tireless Republican leader, advocate for higher education, and devoted community servant.
She passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on November 7, 2024, at the age of 63.
In the wake of her death, she was posthumously inducted into the Mississippi Top 50 Hall of Fame — a recognition of her lifetime of contributions to the state and nation.
“Mississippi was lucky to have a leader with tremendous grace,” Governor Tate Reeves said in a tribute.
“She was a good friend and an excellent representative of our state.” Attorney General Lynn Fitch called her “a dedicated public servant,” while leaders from across the political spectrum joined in still mourning her loss.
Jeanne Luckey made Ocean Springs her home, spent more than 30 years helping shape the Mississippi Republican Party from the ground up.
She was a driving force in the local Republican Women’s Clubs before ascending to key positions such as president of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women, co-chair of the state GOP, and a Republican National Committeewoman.
Even after a devastating car accident just three days after Hurricane Katrina left her in a wheelchair, Jeanne remained undeterred. She continued her work in politics and public service with unwavering resolve, delivering one of the opening speeches at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
“She was incredibly strong,” said her husband, Alwyn Luckey, an attorney in Ocean Springs. “Absolutely fearless in trying to do the right thing and never stopped helping other people she just ran into during the day," he added.
Jeanne Luckey’s public life extended beyond politics.
She was appointed in 2018 by then-Gov. Phil Bryant to serve on the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees, where she worked to retain college graduates within the state.
Dr. Al Rankins, Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education, said, “Students for years to come will benefit from her dedication to higher education in Mississippi.”
She was also a passionate advocate for the arts scene here in Ocean Springs hosting massive fundraising events, and served on the boards of the Children’s House Montessori School in Ocean Springs, the Gulf Coast YMCA, and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art.
Her long-held admiration for local artists — particularly Walter Inglis Anderson and his family — reflected her deep ties to the culture and character of Ocean Springs as she continued to support local aspiring artists here in town.
Humble Beginnings
Jeannie Luckey, said friends and family, never sought out the spotlight for her philanthropy and caring for the welfare of others.
She began her career in special education after graduating from the University of Mississippi and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
She returned to the Coast with her husband, well-known attorney Alwyn Luckey, teaching in Ocean Springs schools before transitioning into a lifetime of civic leadership.
Alwyn Luckey is also the attorney for the Ocean Springs School Board of Trustees.
Those who knew her best remember her blend of strength and grace.
“She wasn’t the kind of person to get mad at you if you disagreed with her politically,” said her husband and best friend Alwyn Luckey.
“She tried to bring you to her side — and if that didn’t work, you’d part as friends every time," he added.
Her influence was even felt inside The Beltway in Washington D.C. During a White House dinner, she shared her story of resilience with the chairman of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Moved by her experience, the chairman revised federal standards on vehicle roof safety under President George W. Bush’s administration — a direct result of Luckey’s testimony.
Despite personal challenges, Jeanne Luckey gave generously.
She was even known to donate her wheelchair-accessible van to others in need — more than once catching a ride home another way.
Connecting With Others
Just months before her death, she reflected publicly on 40 years of marriage with her best friend and husband Alwyn in a heartfelt message shared with friends and supporters online.
“No matter what has happened I wouldn't change a thing, and I thank God every day for my friends, and our family ,” she wrote.
“No matter where this life leads, I pray we’ll always be able to do it together," Jeanne continued.
A Legacy Remembered
City leaders in Ocean Springs are expected to issue a special proclamation honoring Luckey’s life and contributions both here locally and across the state.
Her legacy — one built on resilience, leadership, and service above self — will long be remembered by her community, her colleagues, and the many she inspired across Mississippi.
“She left an indelible mark,” said MS Senator Roger Wicker. “Not just on politics, but on every person she met and that's how her legacy will continue."
"Jeanne Luckey was always a steel magnolia," Senator Wicker added.
The Mississippi Top 50 program recognizes influential leaders in business, government, media, and culture who are shaping the state’s future.
At this year’s ceremony, which featured football legend Archie Manning, Jeanne was celebrated among the first inductees to the 2025 class, announced nationally in March.
Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith delivered a tribute to Luckey on the floor of the U.S. Senate, calling her “a woman who made others better.”
Quoting her husband Alwyn who said, “‘She made me a better person than I otherwise would have been.’ Those of us who had the privilege of knowing her can attest to that. Her wisdom, her kindness, and her ability to bring people together left a permanent mark on so many.”
"Thousands reached out to us including state leaders and national political figures in Washington D.C. after we lost Jeanne," he said.
"To this day there are people I don't even know who have sent us letters and messages telling us how Jeanne helped them during their lives," Alwyn continued.
Jeanne Luckey’s personal legacy is just as powerful as her public one.
She leaves behind her husband of more than four decades, Alwyn Luckey of Ocean Springs, two daughters, Laurel and Taylor, and their families, her cherished grandchildren, Cornelius and Toxie Ray, her longtime caretaker Shundra Benson-Fuller and her children who were like a second family to her, and thousands of friends across the U.S.
Her family said, they have a new mission in their lives, which is working to carry on Jeanne Luckey's legacy—a legacy defined by unwavering service to others, steadfast leadership and humility in the town and the state's Republican Party, plus a deep commitment to education, accessibility, and community service.
"She was a champion for those who did not have one," said MFRW members.
Members of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women (MFRW) publicly announced, they were heartbroken at the loss of Republican trailblazer, Jeanne Luckey.
"Her contributions to our organization, our communities, our state, and our Country are immeasurable," Republican leaders said. "She selflessly poured her entire being into making our world a better place, and we will forever be grateful for her tireless work and dedication."
"The world needs more folks like our Jeanne Luckey."