Jewell Comadore Lockhart, Sr. was born February 7, 1934, in Taylor, MS. He was one of nine children born to Odeal and Ruby Smith Lockhart. He grew up on a farm seven(7) miles south of Oxford, MS in the Taylor community. He always loved the outdoors and the open country sides. He attended Taylor Vocational High School and graduated at the top of his class. His love for agriculture and rural America encouraged him to pursue and obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Alcorn A & M College (now Alcorn State University) where he graduated with honors in 1956. He later received a Master's degree in Public Financial Management from American University in Washington, D.C. He served for two years in the U.S. Army which included a 16 month tour in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1962. He went on to teach science, biology, chemistry and physics for one and a half years, and served as Assistant Principal in Raleigh, MS. He worked for the United States Government and the United States Department of Agricultural for forty-three (43) years as Assistant County Supervisor, County Supervisor (becoming the first Black County Supervisor in Mississippi), Assistant District Director, Rural Estate Loan Specialist in Washington, D.C., and District Director in Mississippi. While at Alcorn Jewell met who would become the love of his life, Ruth Earlene Singleton. They married in 1957, and to this union were born two sons, Anthony Virdell Lockhart and Jewell C. Lockhart, Jr. Jewell was involved with many different organizations. He served as a member of the Board of Directors and President of the United Way, the Board of Directors and President, Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, Greenville, MS, and is a former board member of the Salvation Army. He served on the Board of Director of Habitat for Humanity, the Greater Greenville Housing Committee, the Board of Directors of Mission Mississippi Delta, the Board of Directors of Ability to Work and Work and vice president of TRIAD. He was also a member of National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Jewell was also the recipient of numerous awards and citations. Among them are the Alcornite of the Year in 1982, the Silver Beaver Award from the Delta Area Council Boy Scouts of America in 1983, the Alcorn State University Hall of Honors in 1990, Key to the city of Greenville, Community Service Award, 100 Black Men of Mississippi Delta, Inc. Distinguished Service Award, Delta Point of Pride Award-Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Outstanding Service Award from National Council of SHADS. He was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity where he received the Membership Award. Led to Christ at an early age, Jewell joined New Hope First M.B. Church and was a constant presence and faithful servant in a number of capacities there. He served on the deacon board and as church treasurer. He was Deputy Superintendent of young adults. He was Scout Master of Troop #4412 at New Hope for many years and also a youth advisor. He also served as Sunday School Teacher.