Delta State University mourns the loss of alumnus Jamel Dennis, who passed away on May 22, 2025, at the age of 31. In honor of his memory, the University flag will fly at half-staff on Thursday, May 29, through sunset on Saturday, May 31
Sentorio Jamel Dennis, affectionately known as Jamel, was born on July 22, 1993, in New Albany, Mississippi.
Jamel was a proud member of the Lafayette High School Class of 2012, where he was a gifted athlete and member of the 2011 and 2012 state championship football teams.
Following high school, Jamel continued his education and athletic career at Northeast Mississippi Community College. He later transferred to Delta State University to pursue his bachelor’s degree. He was a member of the DSU football team, proudly wearing jersey #33, and received the 2015 U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Certificate of Congratulation Gulf South Conference Defensive and Offensive Player of the Week award. In December 2018, Jamel graduated from Delta State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science.
His passion for public service led him to apply for the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol. Out of 314 applicants for Cadet Class 67, 110 qualified, 75 selected, only 48 completed the rigorous training. Jamel not only graduated in May 2023, but also served as the Third Squad, Squad Leader and was honored with the prestigious TAC Officer Award. He was proudly assigned Badge # E-30 as a Mississippi State Trooper.
Trooper Dennis served the people of Mississippi with dedication and integrity until his passing at his home in Abbeville, Mississippi. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, strong sense of purpose, and the deep love he held for his family, community, and fellow officers.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 29, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Tallahatchie-Oxford Missionary Baptist Association Building, located at 20 Highway 334, in Oxford, MS, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, at the same location. Please click here for additional information.
