Jackye Kiser Murphy Scholarship Fund

Jackye Murphy’s passion for education is as contagious as her laughter. She has dedicated her life to empowering others through the power of education. Jackye knows she was blessed to have found teaching as a second career. She first taught in Hart County before landing in Anderson School District 4. Jackye spent many years teaching children at Pendleton Elementary and Mount Lebanon Elementary.

This life of joy was interrupted in 2010 when the war with cancer surfaced. She fearlessly accepted rounds of chemo and radiation, all while she continued to teach at Mount Lebanon. Jackye defeated cancer and won this round. This fueled her passion for teaching even more so she decided to take on a new challenge and share her enthusiasm for education with college students at Tri-County Technical College. She started as a part-time instructor in the Department of Early Childhood Development in 2013.

Unfortunately, Jackye’s cancer returned for the second time in January of 2015 and she found herself going further rounds with chemotherapy and radiation, fighting daily with grace and dignity.  Complaining and wallowing were not allowed instead, she continued to invest her best into her students. The celebration came again and round two was a success. Jackye was honored by Tri-County with the Adjunct Faculty Presidential Award in 2015 in recognition of her dedication to her students and innovative teaching. Jackye launched into full-time teaching in 2016, which she called her dream job. Jackye actively participated in program accreditation projects, curriculum design, and creation, as well as multiple student activities including trips to Dallas and Atlanta. She always made time for student outreach offering advice and support. She made time to be the difference!

Jackye’s relentless battle with cancer returned last year. Recently, Jackye’s medical team delivered the worst news to her and the family, they have reached the end of her medical treatment options. Her friends, family, and school family are all left trying to find ways to pay homage and to honor her life’s mission.

Those that know and love Jackye wish to create the JACKYE KISER MURPHY SCHOLARSHIP. Cancer has a way of making timelines uncertain, but we are moving fast so we could share this loving tribute with Jackye.  

This scholarship will be managed by the Tri-County Technical College Foundation Office. It will be awarded to a deserving Early Childhood Education Student enrolling at Tri-County Technical College. This scholarship embodies Jackye’s passion for improving lives through Education.

Giving Information

Please choose the amount for a donation to support the Jackye Kiser Murphy Scholarship on this page. Select SCHOLARSHIPS as the gift DESIGNATION. Select “This gift is in Honor of” and then enter Jackye’s name. The designated family member will be notified that a gift has been made. 

If you wish to send Jackye a message, please visit @Jewels for Jackye, a Facebook group created by friends.