By William H. Kelly III
(JACKSON, Miss.) – As Taylor Graham prepared to walk across the stage at Jackson State University’s (JSU) Spring 2025 Graduate Commencement Ceremony, she not only celebrated a major academic milestone, but also honored the life and legacy of her late mother, who was also scheduled to graduate from JSU on Friday, May 2.
She vividly recalls the moment her life changed forever.
It was the evening of August 30, 2024. Her mother was getting ready for another shift at their part-time job at Popeyes in Slidell, Louisiana. Juggling school and work, the two decided to pause for a moment of rest. Graham remembers scrolling through TikTok before drifting off for a nap and waking up to find her mother, Donna Graham, collapsed and unresponsive on the floor in another room.
“That’s honestly what pushed me, knowing that this was not just for me, knowing that I would be honoring her and walking eventually,” said Graham. “It seemed like it was so far away back then.”
A two-time JSU graduate, Graham serves as a dedicated social worker in the Picayune School District, where she helps elementary and junior high students navigate the complex challenges they face at home and at school. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from JSU in 2022, and today, she proudly completed the university’s Master of Social Work program — a milestone made even more meaningful in the wake of her personal loss.
The mother-daughter duo did nearly everything together, according to Graham. Donna worked at the elementary and middle schools that Graham attended as a child, then later joined her in part-time shifts at Popeyes and in roles within the Picayune School District. Their shared path continued into higher education when both re-enrolled at Jackson State University — Donna to pursue a specialist degree in education, and Graham a master’s in social work. Donna earned her master’s degree through JSU’s College of Education and Human Development in May 2023.
Graham said she was inspired to pursue a career in social work because of her mother’s “dedication and love for kids,” shown through her work as a paraprofessional and, later, a certified teacher.
“My mama had a big heart. She loved kids. Kids were her passion,” she said.
Though the path felt impossible at times, Graham said she is proud to honor her mother’s unfinished journey by graduating — as well as the memory of her grandmother, who also died in 2024.
“It’s a proud feeling. I know that it was only her and God that got me through from last semester to this semester. It’s an honor because not only am I getting this degree, I can still say I was able to achieve something as big as this after experiencing two big deaths,” said Graham.
“It hurts to know that they’re not going to be there. Definitely hurts to know that she’s not going to be there because she’s supposed to be walking as well, but I am proud of the accomplishment. It’s an honor to know that I am able to honor her. I know she would be overjoyed at graduation this week.”
Graham expressed gratitude to her family and coworkers for their support throughout her journey. She also thanked Jackson State University’s School of Social Work, including Temecula Robinson, DSW, and Rachel H. Daniels, LCSW, for their guidance and encouragement.
Media Contact: William H. Kelly III, william.h.kelly@jsums.edu