‘It’s bittersweet’: Mother accepts high school diploma for daughter who died unexpectedly

WACO, Texas (KWTX/Gray News) - A Texas mother walked across the stage at an area high school in honor of her late daughter at a Friday night graduation ceremony.

The class of 2025 at University High School was all smiles at Friday night’s graduation, but not everyone in a cap and gown was a student.

Instead, Roshaunda Carr, a Waco Independent School District mother, walked across the stage in honor of her daughter, who unexpectedly died from epilepsy last year.

There were cheers and some tears at the graduation ceremony.

Last year, Roshaunda Carr shared her desire to start a nonprofit after her daughter, Jakayla Gardner Carr.

Roshaunda Carr said on the morning of Oct. 6, 2024, she texted Jakayla Gardner Carr, reminding her when to take her medicine, but when she got no response, her heart started racing.

“I got up. That’s when I checked on her and that’s when I found her. She ed away in her sleep from a seizure,” the mother said.

Roshaunda Carr said she would give anything for Jakayla Gardner Carr to cross the stage herself, but she’s staying strong and keeping her daughter’s name alive.

“It’s bittersweet. Jakayla is the first out of her siblings to graduate, so today is just a lot of emotions,” she said.

Jakayla Gardner Carr’s mother said she had battled the disease since she was 11.

Despite her illness, Roshaunda Carr said her daughter still excelled in school, even after having to relearn everything following an intense seizure.

Since Jakayla Gardner Carr couldn’t wear her cap and gown, Roshaunda Carr said she wore them in her honor.

“She’s very, very proud. She’s probably behind me doing a silly dance as we do the interview. She’s proud,” Roshaunda Carr said.

The mother said it’s difficult knowing she should be watching her daughter walk across the stage with her sister, Aniyah, instead of doing it for her.

“It’s a ball of emotions. I wish she were here. I wish she were here. There’s not a day that goes by ... it’s just hard,” Roshaunda Carr said.

Whether it’s accepting Roshaunda Carr’s diploma on her behalf or showcasing her photo on the cap and gown, she said she is making it her mission to keep her daughter’s name alive.

“I love you. Mama loves you. You did it. Congratulations, baby girl,” Roshaunda Carr said.

Family are still looking for volunteers to help make the nonprofit come to life.

Roshaunda Carr says those interested can email her at [email protected].

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