Mrs. Jessica Leigh Staley Minton, age 44, of Biloxi, MS, (formerly of Lindale) received her Heavenly healing on Tuesday, October 14, 2026, at a hospital in Atlanta, GA.
Jessica was born in Rome, GA, on August 31, 1982, daughter of Mrs. Jennie Swanson Staley Hines and the late Thomas Jerry “Tommy” Staley, Jr. She was also preceded in death by her grandparents, George and Elizabeth Swanson, Joe Goss, and Jerry Staley. Jessica was a graduate of Pepperell High School Class of 2000. She went on to become the first wheelchair athlete recruited by the University of Alabama and was a pioneer in women’s wheelchair basketball. Jessica was a member of the first ever women’s wheelchair basketball team for the University of Alabama and earned her bachelor’s in psychology, graduating in 2005. She earned her master’s in special education from the University of West Georgia and spent many years teaching in the Polk County School District. Jessica gave up full-time teaching to devote her time to her household but still substitute taught in the Floyd County School System. She was a member of Seven Hills Fellowship in Rome, GA, and was also attending Hope Presbyterian Church in Ocean Springs, MS.
“Force of Nature”, a term that easily described Jessica. Not only does it describe her competitive drive, her smile that lit up any room she entered, but also the drive she had to accomplish her dreams no matter what her physical circumstances were. Not only did she play basketball at the University of Alabama, she also was a member of the U.S. National Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team. Her competitive drive was always a part of who she was and cycled in over 24 marathons, 40 half-marathons, and numerous other rides over a 10-year span. She competed in the New York City Marathon, twice in the Miami Marathon, and three times in the Marine Corp Marathon. Jessica had a drive that earned her the nickname “The Roman Rocket.”
Her testimony truly was that no matter what circumstances you face, God has a plan for your story, and He wants you to live life to the fullest. Her drive was almost as big as the beautiful smile she possessed. She had a way of lighting up a room and making a stranger feel like family. Jessica was a faithful and devoted friend but above all she loved her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and numerous other titles she held. Jessica loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and always trusted in the Lord’s plan for her life and the story she had to tell. Today, she is rejoicing at His feet for eternity, fully healed and without a doubt running the streets of gold.
Survivors include her husband, Bryant Minton, Biloxi, MS, to whom she was married on December 18, 2004; her son, Grant Minton, Hattiesburg, MS; mother, Jennie Swanson Hines, Lindale; sister, Stefanie McCarley (Byron); grandmother, Judy Goss; parents-in-law, Capt. Bill and Donna Minton; sister-in-law, Katy Minton; nephew, Gabriel Staley; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends whom she loved dearly.
A celebration of her life will be held at 3pm on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the Desoto Theatre, with her Pastor, Bryan Pierce, officiating the service and her husband, Caleb Branton, and Ryan Stanger delivering the eulogies. Jessica will be entombed in the Myrtle Hill Mausoleum at a later date.
The family will receive friends from 3pm until 5pm on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel.
The family requests bright colors be worn in honor of Jessica’s vibrant personality, whatever you do, no black!
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to a fund set up for her son, Grant, to help with his education expenses. Please call Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, (706) 234-5302 for more information.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Jessica Leigh Staley Minton.
