McDowell Technical Community College is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Gracie Jackson, 81, of McDowell County has officially completed the requirements for her Adult High School Diploma through McDowell Tech’s Adult High School program, proving that determination and the desire to learn can endure for a lifetime.
Jackson began her education during an era marked by segregation and limited opportunity. Born in 1944, she is the oldest of eight children and attended the all minority Mt. View High School in Marion. Jackson would have graduated with her high school class in 1956, but she left school during the 12th grade after becoming pregnant with her first child. That same year, her mother also passed away. It was a difficult time for Gracie and her family.
At the time, Jackson said she felt ashamed and believed she had no choice but to leave school. Looking back now, she sees that decision differently. “It was stupid, plain and simple,” she said. She wishes she had finished with the rest of her class.
More than six decades later, Jackson returned to complete what she started. While many people believe missed chances are behind them, Jackson’s story offers a powerful reminder that goals can still be achieved at any age, even after years of hardship and setbacks.
“Gracie Jackson’s achievement is deeply inspiring,” said Dr. J.W. Kelley, President of McDowell Technical Community College. “Her perseverance reminds us that education does not have an expiration date. At McDowell Tech, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream. Ms. Jackson has shown our entire community what determination looks like.”
A Life of Work, Responsibility, and Resilience
Jackson built her life around hard work and family. When her husband, Leroy Jackson, passed away before she was 40, Gracie was left to raise four young children on her on, later having two more children. Over the years, she worked in several demanding jobs that required long hours and physical endurance, including Cross Cotton Mill and Clinchfield Cotton Mill where she worked as a spinner, as well as Broyhill and Drexel Furniture companies, where she worked in the finishing room. She concluded her working career in the kitchen at McDowell Hospital.
Though she never received her own diploma as a teenager, Jackson held firm beliefs about what her children should achieve. She strongly valued education and insisted that her children stay in school and earn their diplomas. That expectation ultimately became part of her family culture and legacy.
“Growing up, there were things she insisted on no matter what,” said her daughter, Dawn Mooney-Phelps. “One was going to school and one was going to church. She never let us quit.”
Jackson’s emphasis on education has carried forward through successive generations. She is the proud mother of six children, grandmother to 17 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 17 great-grandchildren. All of them have completed at least a high school diploma, and all of her children attended at least some college. One of her daughters, Dawn Mooney-Phelps went on to complete a four-year degree and an advanced degree.
Mooney-Phelps credits her mother’s insistence on perseverance for her own educational path, which included earning an A.A. in Social Work with highest honors and a B.A. in Psychology, summa cum laude, before attending law school at Florida A&M College of Law.
“She inspired us,” Mooney-Phelps said. “She never let us quit.”
Health Crisis Becomes a Turning Point
In April 2025, Jackson was diagnosed with multiple life-threatening medical conditions, including necrotizing pancreatitis, renal failure, respiratory failure, splenic thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Her health crisis led to a lengthy hospital stay in Winston-Salem totaling 137 days.
During that time, Jackson’s family gathered around her and provided support while also reflecting on the resilience and faith that had shaped her life. Jackson frequently spoke about how proud she was of the educational knowledge and training of her grandchildren who were helping Mooney-Phelps and her husband Michael Phelps care for her, including Alexandria, a Duke University graduate student in the Master of Science in Nursing program, and Allia, a pre-law student at North Carolina A&T State University.
That season became a turning point. During a conversation about bucket lists, Jackson shared that earning her high school diploma remained a goal - second only to being discharged from the hospital.
Jackson’s son-in-law Michael and granddaughters Alex and Allia helped by immediately contacting the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to request transcripts, allowing Jackson to resume her studies and earn credits toward completing her diploma. As she recovered and prepared to return to Marion, Mooney-Phelps reached out to McDowell Technical Community College and connected with Bridget Burnette and the Adult High School staff. Other family members, like daughter Gwen Jackson and granddaughters Tia and Eden Jackson were busy gathering school supplies and things she would need for her studies.
Returning to School at 81
After reviewing credits Jackson had earned years earlier, McDowell Tech determined she only needed to complete two courses: Health/PE and Personal Finance.
Jackson said the coursework went well, and she admitted that the hardest step was choosing to return in the first place. At 81, she knew it would take focus and effort, and she worried about keeping up. Still, she chose to move forward, supported by her family and by college staff.
“Ms. Jackson came to us with a goal, and she never lost sight of it,” said Bridget Burnette, Adult High School Coordinator at McDowell Technical Community College. “Many students feel nervous about returning to school as an adult, but Gracie stayed focused, worked hard, and followed through. Her success is proof that no matter your age or circumstances, it is possible to take that first step and finish strong.”
Jackson has said she hopes she lives long enough to see all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren continue reaching educational milestones. Two family members are still in school.
Faith and Service Through the Years
Jackson’s story is also rooted in strong faith and service to others. Over the years, she has sung in both the Addie’s Chapel United Methodist Church Gospel Choir and Praise Choir, and these groups have performed at local festivals and other community events. She also serves on the church’s kitchen committee and is a member of the United Methodist Women.
Family members say Jackson consistently emphasized good character and giving back - lessons that have influenced multiple generations and encouraged continued involvement in church and community service, particularly in areas of social justice.
Still Moving Forward Despite More Hardship
Jackson’s diploma achievement carries even deeper meaning because her health difficulties did not end with her recovery. While still dealing with medical complications, she also learned she had kidney cancer and underwent procedures in November to freeze cancerous spots.
Most recently, Jackson suffered a fall that resulted in a broken hip and femur. Even so, those closest to her say her spirit and determination remain strong.
Jackson has expressed hope that, “Lord willing,” she may even take a college class in the future. She also hopes to participate in graduation ceremonies this May.
McDowell Tech leaders say her accomplishment sends an important message to anyone who left high school before graduating.
“People sometimes think that missed opportunities are behind them,” Dr. Kelley said. “Gracie Jackson’s story proves the opposite. If you have ever wanted to finish your diploma, we want you to know that McDowell Tech is ready to help you, step-by-step.”
Adult High School at McDowell Tech
McDowell Tech’s Adult High School program helps adults earn a North Carolina high school diploma by completing remaining course requirements. The College provides individualized support to help students balance school with work, family, and other responsibilities.
To learn more about completing an Adult High School Diploma, visit https://www.mcdowelltech.edu/adult-high-school or call 828-659-6001 ext. 160.
