MRA’s Robert Noah remembered for friendship, love of Christ
A Madison-Ridgeland Academy senior who died in a car wreck over Labor Day weekend is being remembered for his friendly demeanor, thoughtful actions, and Christ-centered life.
Robert Noah, 18, of Jackson, died in the two-car accident on Sept. 1 at about 3 p.m. on Highway 7 in Grenada County.
He is the son of Tally and Marcie Noah. His brother, Vincent, was a 2022 graduate of MRA.
“Robert was truly a friend to all, marked by the hundreds of letters students have written giving specific examples of how Robert’s kindness impacted their life personally. Whether a dear friend of Robert’s or a classmate in the halls, Robert found a way to make everyone he encountered feel like they mattered,” his family said.
A prayer service was held Monday evening at Duease Hall on campus that began with a period where those in attendance shared memories of the impact Robert had on their lives, Greg Self, Associate Head of School, said. This was followed by a number of scripture readings and praise music.
“The service was a heartfelt gathering where memories of Robert were shared with deep affection,” Self said.
Following the service, the Class of 2025 came together on the football field and held candles and sang songs.
Self said they found “a quiet place for solitude” to remember their classmate.
“In this serene setting,” Self said. “They honored their classmate with reverence, lifting their hearts in praise as they remembered the bond they shared with Robert, cherishing the memories, and finding strength in their togetherness.”
MRA released a statement:
“Words fail to adequately express the immense grief that our MRA Family has experienced in the loss of our friend and classmate, Robert Noah,” The MRA statement reads. “We pray specifically for the Noah family, along with our students- especially the senior class, and our MRA faculty and staff.”
Robert started at MRA as a fifth grader and was set to graduate at the end of this school year.
“Robert made an immediate impact on campus with his friendly disposition and bright smile that could light up any room,” his family said.
Notably, Robert is the only MRA student to be awarded the PAT (People Acting Thoughtful) award three years in a row. The award is voted on by his peers and awarded to the student who displayed the most genuine act of kindness that week.
Condolences poured in from rivals around the Metro and across the state.
The family said his love for service led to him receiving the rank of Eagle Scout.
The family said Robert was “the epitome of what Jesus taught on and gave us hope for in Matthew 5:8.” Which reads, "Blessed are the pure at heart, for they shall see the face of God." The family said Robert’s life had hope for things to come.
“His hope wasn't anchored in the world, but rather in the Truth that this is not the end and that Robert's reunited with His Creator and Savior as we are left to mourn the tragic loss of our dear son, brother, classmate, friend,” the family said. “May we remember to celebrate his life as the gift that it was from God Himself to all of us who knew and loved Robert.”
Robert was a “lifelong fan and lover of sports” which was demonstrated by his work in the summer with the New Orleans Saints Organization and as an “anchor” of the MRA Patriots student section known as the “Patgang.”
As a member of the “Patgang’ he carried an orange cone plastered with student signatures. The family called the cone “infamous” and became a sign to both the fans and players that Robert was in the stands.
Noah along with Lizzie Tucker, 74, of Richmond, Texas, were fatally injured in the two-car wreck, according to Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper Jose Watson.
“This crash remains under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol,” Watson said.
Watson said the wreck occurred when a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek driven by Noah, traveling southbound on Highway 7, collided with a 2024 Jeep Wagoneer driven by 35-year-old Peaches McMurry of Batesville, traveling north on Highway 7.