Alabama Adapted Athletics Pioneer Jessica Minton Dead At 44

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Jessica Minton, a pioneering student-athlete who helped establish the University of Alabama's women's wheelchair basketball program and went on to become an accomplished endurance athlete, has died.

She was 44.

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Minton, formerly of Lindale, Georgia, and most recently of Biloxi, Mississippi, died Tuesday at a hospital in Atlanta, according to her obituary published by the Rome News-Tribune.

UA Adapted Athletics also announced her death in a heartfelt social media tribute, remembering Minton as a trailblazer whose influence extended well beyond her athletic accomplishments.

Indeed, Minton made history in 2003 when she became the first recruited student-athlete for Alabama's women's wheelchair basketball team, helping lay the foundation for a program that would grow into one of the nation's premier collegiate adapted athletics programs.

Born Aug. 31, 1982, in Rome, Georgia, Minton graduated from Pepperell High School in 2000 before attending the University of Alabama, where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2005.

She later earned a master's degree in special education from the University of West Georgia and spent several years teaching in the Polk County School District.

Minton eventually stepped away from full-time teaching to focus on her family, although she continued substitute teaching in the Floyd County School System.

Minton's competitive career also extended far beyond wheelchair basketball.

A member of the U.S. National Women's Sitting Volleyball Team, she became an accomplished handcyclist, competing in more than 24 marathons and 40 half-marathons over a decade.

Nicknamed "The Roman Rocket," Minton's obituary says her endurance racing included the New York City Marathon, two appearances in the Miami Marathon and three appearances in the Marine Corps Marathon.

"Her competitive spirit continued beyond her collegiate career as she pursued hand cycling, embodying the determination and passion that defined her life," Alabama Adapted Athletics said.

However, those who knew Minton emphasized that her personality and compassion were just as memorable as her athletic achievements.

"Yet, beyond her accomplishments, Jessica will be remembered most for her kind and gentle soul, her beautiful smile, and the encouragement she so freely gave to everyone she met," the organization said.

Minton was a member of Seven Hills Fellowship in Rome and also attended Hope Presbyterian Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

She is survived by her husband, Bryant Minton; their son, Grant; her mother, Jennie Swanson Hines; her sister, Stefanie McCarley; and several other relatives.

"Rest in peace, Jessica," UA Adapted Athletics said. "Thank you for leading the way and for sharing your light with all of us. You will never be forgotten."

A celebration of Minton's life is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at the DeSoto Theatre in Rome, Georgia.

Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, which is handling arrangements.

Minton's family has requested that attendees wear bright colors in recognition of her vibrant personality rather than traditional black funeral attire.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to an education fund established for her son, Grant.