Allison Elayne Lockett, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on October 13, 2025. Born on August 11, 1981, Allison brought light, joy, and compassion to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Allison was an outstanding product of the Hattiesburg Public School District, where she graduated from Hattiesburg High School in 1999. During her time there, she was actively involved as a member of the Student Council, attended the 1998 American Legion Magnolia Girls State at the University of Southern Mississippi. Allison was a Forrest General Hospital Junior Volunteer. These early experiences reflected her natural leadership, service-oriented heart, and commitment to excellence.

After graduation, Allison pursued higher education at Tougaloo College, where she majored in English and Journalism and graduated Cum Laude in 2003 with her Bachelor of Arts degree. Throughout her undergraduate years, Allison earned numerous honors and distinctions. She was a Ronald E. McNair Scholar at the Tougaloo College, a George Washington Carver Scholar at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, and a two-time recipient of the Hattiesburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Eloise Hopson Scholarship for African American women majoring in English. In addition, she was awarded the UNCF Readers Digest Scholarship for her outstanding writing talent.

Allison's passion for communication and leadership led her to serve as Editor-in-Chief of The Harambee, Tougaloo College's campus newspaper, and as a member of the Rueben V. Anderson Pre-Law Society.

Her academic journey continued at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she earned a Master of Science in Public Relations from the School of Mass Communication and Journalism. While at Southern Miss, she contributed as a writer to The Student Printz. Never one to stop learning, Allison later attended William Carey University to pursue additional graduate coursework in business and accounting.

In 2008, Allison pivoted toward her first love— accounting and taxation - beginning a remarkable career at the Mississippi Department of Revenue (formerly the Mississippi State Tax Commission). Over nearly two decades, she served as a Senior Special Agent under four commissioners, including former Hattiesburg mayor and Hall of Famer, the Honorable J. Ed Morgan. Her expertise in state tax law-covering sales, withholding, excise, IFTA, use, and income taxes-made her a respected leader in tax enforcement and compliance. Among her many achievements, Allison and her team helped reach a record-breaking $1.23 billion in collections, ensuring vital funding for Mississippi's infrastructure, public services, and most importantly education.

In 2023, Allison advanced to the U.S. Department of Treasury, where she took the oath as an Officer of Revenue with the Internal Revenue Service. She found deep fulfillment in her federal work, embracing the complexity and challenge of ensuring fair tax compliance nationwide.

Beyond her professional excellence, Allison remained deeply rooted in her Hattiesburg community. She was proud to "bring her talents home," investing in the very place that had nurtured her. She was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Tougaloo College Alumni Association, the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association, Toastmasters Hattiesburg, Habitat for Humanity, and served as an Election Commissioner for the City of Hattiesburg. Additionally, Allison was a member of Hattiesburg Junior Auxiliary.

A faithful servant of God, Allison was a devoted member of Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, where she found joy in worship and community service. She also cherished her sisterhood in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated - Theta Sigma Omega Chapter, through which she exemplified the values of scholarship, service, and sisterhood.

Allison was preceded in death by her father, Stanley Nelson. She leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Elayne Lockett; one brother, Adrian Lockett, New Orleans, LA; two nephews, Armani and Cameron, New Orleans, LA; one aunt, Linda Lockett-Leggett, Hattiesburg, MS; uncles, Howard Lockett, Sr. (Ethel), Petal, MS, Richard Lockett (Linda), Sacramento, CA, Alvin Lockett (Deborah), Hattiesburg, MS and a host of cousins, extended family, sorority sisters, and cherished friends.

Allison's life was a living testament to faith, perseverance, service, and excellence. Though her earthly journey has ended, her impact will continue to inspire generations to come. Her radiant smile, her generous spirit, and her unwavering dedication to her family, faith, and community will never be forgotten.