Nationwide — Roshaunda Carr, an African American mom from Waco, Texas, whose daughter died from epilepsy in 2024, walked throughout the commencement stage sporting her daughter’s cap and robe, honoring her reminiscence throughout College Excessive Faculty’s Class of 2025 ceremony.
Her daughter, Jakayla Gardner Carr, had lived with epilepsy since she was 11. Regardless of the challenges, Jakayla excelled in class and was set to graduate alongside her sister, Aniyah.
However on the morning of October 6, 2024, she died in her sleep after struggling a seizure. Carr recalled texting Jakayla that morning to remind her to take her medicine. When she obtained no response, she went to examine on her and located her unresponsive.
In the course of the commencement ceremony, Roshaunda walked in Jakayla’s place, her daughter’s picture pinned to the robe. The group cheered, and a few cried.
“It’s bittersweet,” Carr informed WLBT. “Jakayla is the primary out of her siblings to graduate, so right this moment is simply a variety of feelings.”
Since her daughter’s demise, Carr has been working to protect Jakayla’s legacy. She plans to start out a nonprofit in her daughter’s title and is presently looking for volunteers to assist make it occur.
“She’s very, very proud. She’s most likely behind me doing a foolish dance as we do the interview. She’s proud,” Carr mentioned.
Carr ended the night time with a message to her daughter: “I like you. Mama loves you. You probably did it. Congratulations, child woman.”
