HARRISBURG MOURNS THE LOSS OF LONGTIME CROSSING GUARD JACKIE PERRY: “GOD HAS THE PERFECT CROSSING GUARD NOW”

 

 

 

HARRISBURG, PA — June 27, 2025 — The city of Harrisburg is mourning the loss of one of its most devoted public servants. Mrs. Jackie Perry, a longtime school crossing guard stationed at the intersection of Market and Division Streets, passed away this week, leaving behind a legacy defined by service, community care, and nearly two decades of unwavering dedication to student safety.

Mrs. Perry, 67, served as a crossing guard from 2005 until the present, helping children and families safely navigate one of the city’s busiest school zones. Her presence became a daily fixture in the lives of countless Harrisburg students, parents, and teachers, many of whom are now grieving a loss that feels personal and profound.

“God has the perfect crossing guard now. Rest in His arms, Mrs. Jackie Perry,” one community member wrote in tribute. “Prayers for the family.”

A Familiar Face in an Unfamiliar World

Known for her warm smile, kind eyes, and gentle demeanor, Mrs. Perry was more than a public employee—she was a community guardian. Rain or shine, she could be found at her post every school day, waving to children, reminding them to stay alert, and offering reassuring words to nervous parents.

Her consistency and kindness made her a trusted figure throughout the Harrisburg School District. Teachers often credited her calming influence for starting students’ days on the right foot. Parents, many of whom had once crossed the same intersection as children under her care, brought their own kids to meet “Ms. Jackie.”

An Outpouring of Grief and Gratitude

Following the announcement of her passing, an outpouring of tributes flooded social media and community forums. Dozens of former students shared fond memories, recalling her words of encouragement and the safety they felt in her presence. Flowers, cards, and notes now line the sidewalk at the corner of Market and Division—a corner that now feels undeniably emptier.

“My children crossed that street for eight years, and every time, she made them feel like they mattered,” said local parent Teresa Milton. “She gave them more than safety. She gave them confidence.”

City officials and school administrators have expressed condolences to the Perry family, recognizing her as an integral part of Harrisburg’s community fabric.

Calls to Honor Her Legacy

The Harrisburg City Council is reportedly considering options to honor Mrs. Perry’s decades of service, including a memorial plaque, dedication ceremony, or official recognition day in her name.

“People like Mrs. Perry are the unsung heroes who hold our communities together,” said Councilmember Andre Shelton. “She didn’t wear a badge or carry a title, but her impact on generations of children is immeasurable.”

A Final Farewell

Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Perry will be announced in the coming days. The community has been invited to join the family in honoring her memory and the lasting difference she made in Harrisburg.

As the city prepares to say goodbye, one sentiment remains universally shared among those who knew her: Jackie Perry wasn’t just a crossing guard—she was a protector, a friend, and a symbol of quiet strength in an ever-changing world.

 

 

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