8-year-old remembered as joyful
MADISON — Jeanelle Viaje Fredericks was her parents’ pride and joy, bringing them much love, light, and happiness.
Fredericks is the eight-year-old girl who died last week after being hit by a Madison County School District bus in her neighborhood.
She was a third grader at Madison Avenue Upper Elementary School.
A visitation is scheduled this evening (Thursday) at Natchez Trace Funeral Home, 759 Highway 51, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday.
A Celebration of Life is set for noon at the funeral home on Friday.
Her parents said her kindness, intelligence, and boundless talent will forever be remembered.
According to Madison Police Lieutenant Micah Taylor, no preliminary indicators would lead investigators to believe that the bus driver was impaired.
Toxicology samples have been taken and submitted for examination, and the department is awaiting the results.
The Madison Police Department had a DUI/Drug Recognition expert on the scene as part of the investigation, and Taylor said they followed standard procedures throughout the investigation.
Taylor said the incident remains under investigation, and the results will be forwarded to the Madison County District Attorney.
“We thank you for your continued prayers for the family, the Madison County School District, medical staff, and all first responders on scene,” Taylor said.
Additional counselors have been on hand to support students and staff at Madison Avenue Upper Elementary and Madison Avenue Elementary in the wake of the death.
“We encourage parents to reach out to the counselor’s office at their child’s school for additional resources or support in helping their children through this difficult time,” the district said in a statement.
Jeanelle played the piano and flute, swam like a fish, and even earned her Level 2 swimming certificate last summer. She loved playing chess and won a 2nd runner-up trophy in a school tournament.
Her artistic skills were exceptional, and she could draw anything without a guide. Her tiny hands created beautiful art that always surprised her parents.
She was developing a talent for sculpting and made numerous miniature figures of clay which she gave freely to friends and family. She had a heart of love and generosity!
Most of all, her parents said, Jeanelle “loved God.” She read her Bible every night and prayed the sweetest prayers, thanking God for His creation and family and thanking Jesus for dying on the cross and forgiving her sins, frequently saying, “I love you, Jesus.”
She adored her little sister and acted like a second mom, always watching over and protecting her. She also woke early every morning to snuggle with her beloved dog, Puddles.
Jeanelle is survived by her parents, Ryan and Diane; a sister, Celisse; grandparents, Daniel and Maribeth Fredericks, and Louie and Grace Viaje.