HYDE-SMITH REMEMBERS THE LATE JEANNE LUCKEY IN SENATE TRIBUTE
VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Pays Tribute to the Late Jeanne Luckey of the Mississippi Gulf Coast
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Wednesday delivered a tribute to the late Jeanne Luckey of Biloxi in a speech to the U.S. Senate. Luckey, who passed away on Nov. 7, 2024, was a leader on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, statewide, and nationally.
Hyde-Smith’s remarks, which also appear in the Congressional Record, are available below:
Madam President, I rise today with a deep sense of respect, admiration, and sadness to honor the remarkable life of Jeanne Luckey. Her legacy of service, strength, and compassion will leave a lasting impact on Mississippi, our nation, and beyond.
A proud daughter of Biloxi, Mississippi, Jeanne was a woman of extraordinary character – dedicated to her family, her community, and her country.
She was a tireless leader and key figure in Mississippi’s Republican Party, serving in the roles such as president of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women, co-chair of the state Republican Party, and Republican National Committeewoman. Her voice and influence over the decades shaped the party at the state and national levels, and her work touched the lives of countless individuals across our state.
She faced extraordinary challenges with unmatched grace. Even after a car accident left her in a wheelchair just days after Hurricane Katrina reshaped the coast of Mississippi, Jeanne didn’t stop. She kept working. She continued her work with an unwavering commitment to the values she held dear, always finding a way to move forward.
Jeanne’s influence went far beyond politics. Jeanne cared deeply about education and the people of Mississippi. As a member of the Board of Trustees for the Institutions of Higher Learning, she worked tirelessly to make Mississippi’s universities stronger and more inclusive, especially for those with disabilities. Always focused on serving others, her contributions will be felt for generations.
What truly defined Jeanne was her strength of character. She was a woman who made others better. Her husband, Alwyn, said it best: “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 everyone she met.
Jeanne leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched. My heart goes out to her husband Alwyn, their two daughters, Laurel and Taylor, and her grandchildren, Cornelius and Toxie Ray.
Mississippi has lost an amazing woman and a true leader. But Jeanne's spirit, her passion for life, and her commitment to making our state and country a better place will endure.
###