A native of Taylor (Lafayette County) Mississippi, Jewell Lockhart, Sr. received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Economics from Alcorn State University in 1956. He received his Master of Science degree in Financial Management in Applied Sciences from American University in Washington, D.C. in 1982.
Lockhart served for two years in the U.S. Army, which included a 16-month tour in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1962. Afterwards, he served as an assistant principal in Raleigh, MS and taught science, biology, chemistry and physics.
He was a trailblazer in agricultural services in the state of Mississippi with over 43 years of experience. He touched the lives of many while working with the United States Department of Agriculture, Farmers Home Administration, and Rural Development. During his career, he served as Assistant County Supervisor, County Supervisor (as the first African-American County Supervisor in Mississippi), Assistant Director, Rural Estate Loan Specialist in Washington, D.C., and District Director in Mississippi.
Lockhart has received numerous achievements, honors and awards from professional and civic organizations, including: Alcornite of the Year (1982); Silver Beaver Award from the Delta Area Council Boy Scouts of America; Alcorn State University Hall of Honors (1990); Key to the City of Greenville; Mississippi Community Service Award; 100 Black Men of the Mississippi Delta Distinguished Service Award; Delta Point of Pride Award; 60-year Membership Award from Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; and Congratulatory Award from George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States, in recognition of his 43 years with the federal government.
Lockhart was actively involved with professional and civic organizations including: Board of Directors and President of the United Way; Board of Directors and President of the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County; former board member of The Salvation Army; Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity; the Greater Greenville Housing Committee; Board of Directors of Mission Mississippi Delta; Board of Directors of Ability to Work; Phi Beta Signma Fraternity, Inc.; Vice-President of TRIAD and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees; member of the Deacon Board and Sunday School Teacher for New Hope First M.B. Church; Church Treasurer; Deputy Superintendent; and Scout Master of Troop #4412.
He was married to the former Ruth Singleton Lockhart and they were the parents of two adult children: Anthony and Jewell, Jr. Mr. Lockhart succumbed March 12, 2015. At the time of his death, he resided in Greenville, MS.