Sentorio Jamel Dennis

Sentorio Jamel Dennis, affectionately known as Jamel, was born on July 22, 1993, in New Albany, Mississippi, to proud parents, Gregory and Shirley Dennis. From an early age, Jamel’s life was rooted in faith. He professed his hope in Christ and was baptized on April 12, 2002, at Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church. There, he actively participated in various ministries, including Sunday School, the Youth ministry, the Usher ministry, and the church choir.

Jamel’s hobbies included:  hunting, fishing, riding his four-wheeler, playing sports, and socializing with his family and friends. His favorite team was the Green Bay Packers.    

Jamel was a proud member of the Lafayette High School Class of 2012. He was a gifted athlete, excelling in football while wearing jersey #6 for the Lafayette High School Commodores. Among his many accolades, he earned the 2009–2010 All Region 2-4A First Team Award, named the 2011–2012 Region 2-4A Most Valuable Defensive Player, and was a Member of the 2011 and 2012 State Championship teams.

Following high school, Jamel continued his education and athletic career at Northeast Mississippi Community College, where he wore jersey #23 and earned the 2014 MACJC All-Star Classic North Defensive Most Valuable Player Award. He later transferred to Delta State University, joining the football program and proudly wearing jersey #33.  There, he 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 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science.

After completing his degree, Jamel pursued a career in the transportation industry, earning his Commercial Driver’s License and working with several trucking companies. His passion for public service later 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 Sentorio Jamel Dennis served the people of Mississippi with dedication and integrity until his passing on May 22, 2025, at his home in Abbeville, Mississippi.

Jamel will be remembered for his unwavering faith, strong sense of purpose, and the deep love he held for his family, community, and fellow officers. His legacy of service and determination lives on through Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many.”  

Left to cherish his memory are:
His loving parents: Gregory and Shirley (Holland) Dennis; His beloved sons: Issac Dennis of Collierville, TN, and Silas Jamil Dennis of Abbeville, MS; His brother: DeMarkous Dennis of Huntsville, AL; Grandparents: Lifous and Geraldine Kilgore of Etta, MS; Aunts: Shawana (Lemond) Brownlow of Brandon, MS; Patricia Pegues, Brenda (Michael) Slate, Maggie Ivy, and Minnie (Harold) Cooper, all of Abbeville, MS; Jessie Lipsey Thompson, Alice Faye Pegues, Bessie (Aaron) Dunn, all of Oxford, MS; Mae West Carborough, and Dozie Kilgore of Etta, MS; Sharon (Eddie) Jeffries of Holly Springs, MS; Uncles: Ronnie (Lestine) Holland of Oxford, MS; Willie (Jean) Dennis Jr. of Abbeville, MS; Anthony (Anita) Goolsby of Etta, MS; and Gordon Jones of Rock Island, IL; Niece: Alisha Dennis, and nephew: Carson Dennis, both of Oxford, MS; Special friend: Demiesha Coleman, and a host of cherished cousins, extended family, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents: Willie and Bernice Dennis, and U.V. and Charles Mathis; as well as uncles: Eddie Holland and Edward “Jim” Pegues.

Jamel’s presence was a gift, his life a testimony, and his legacy one that will inspire generations to come.