Jackson William Longley

Jackson  William Longley, 19, of Ozark, Missouri, was born on June 20, 2007, in Springfield, Missouri, to Mackenzy Brockwell and Derek Longley. Jackson passed away on August 4, 2026, in Jackson, Mississippi, leaving behind a life that was far too short, but one that was full of laughter, adventure, determination, faith, and a fierce love for the people he called his own.

Jackson had a gift with people that could not be taught. He had a way of making everyone feel seen, welcomed, and loved, but especially children. Little ones seemed to naturally flock to him because of his silliness, playful spirit, and ability to make them feel important. He never met a stranger and could light up a room simply by walking into it—even when he was having a hard day himself.

From the time he was little, Jackson loved soccer. He played throughout junior high and high school and was a member of a club soccer team all four years of high school. Soccer was a big part of his life, and he poured his heart into the game. Jackson played soccer for Ozark High School and was proud to say- “Once a tiger, always a tiger.”

Some of Jackson’s favorite childhood memories were attending St. Louis Cardinals games with his dad Derek. Those trips were filled with excitement, laughter, and time together that became treasured memories. As he got older, Jackson developed a passion for sneakers and loved collecting and talking about them. His love of sneakers became something special that he shared with his stepdad, Andrew, creating another bond and many memories between the two of them.

Jackson was determined in a way that few people ever are. Once he decided he was going to do something, there was very little anyone could do to stop him. He was a free spirit who often flew by the seat of his pants, but he had an incredible drive to figure things out and make things happen.

That determination was especially evident when Jackson decided after high school that he wanted to become a barber. Rather than waiting for someone to teach him, Jackson watched YouTube videos, picked up a pair of clippers, and taught himself how to cut hair. What began as something he simply wanted to learn quickly became a passion and a dream.

Jackson went on to attend Paul Mitchell barber school, where he found another family. He was surrounded by people who believed in him, encouraged him, loved him, and recognized the gift he had for connecting with people. Jackson wanted barbering to be more than a career. He wanted to use it to reach people, build relationships, help others, encourage them, and share his faith.

His faith was an important part of his life. Jackson was active for several years at North Point Church in Nixa, where he served in the youth and often served as a student leader. He was frequently asked to welcome new students and help them feel comfortable. That role suited Jackson perfectly because he had a natural ability to make people feel like they belonged.

Jackson was endlessly curious and loved teaching himself new things. He taught himself to play guitar and chess, and there were countless nights spent sitting around making up his own songs and asking his family which version they liked best. He had a way of making ordinary moments memorable and bringing laughter into almost every situation.

Above all else, Jackson loved his family. He had a deep and special love for his momma and his siblings. His relationship with his sister, Annistyn, was a perfect example of the kind of bond siblings share—they once fought like cats and dogs, but over the last several years, they grew into true friends. The friendship they developed was something beautiful, and Annistyn will miss her brother more than words can express.

Jackson is survived by his mother, Mackenzy Brockwell, and stepfather, Andrew Brockwell, of Ozark, along with his sister, Annistyn, and brother, Charlie; and his father, Derek Longley, of Marshfield, along with his sister, Emmersyn.

He is also survived by his grandparents, Deb and Burt Beattie, Mike Lurvey, Pete and Joyce Brockwell, and Debbie Longley; great-grandmothers Barbara Lurvey, Ginny Beattie, Virginia Murphy, and Barbara Longley; uncle Brooks Beattie; aunt and uncle John and Pam West; aunt Joanna Brockwell; his beloved girlfriend and high school sweetheart, Maddy Erdmann; and countless cousins and extended family members, including Caleb Clark, Elizabeth, Audrey, and Olivia West, along with many more cousins, great-aunts, great-uncles, and loved ones who were blessed to know and love him.

Jackson was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, William “Bill” Longley, and his great-grandparents Floyd and Betty Burks, Bob Beattie, Kenneth and Bonnie Smith, and William Longley.

Jackson was protective of the people he loved and cared deeply for those around him. He always tried to see the best in others. He greeted everyone he knew, treated grandparents and other elders with genuine respect and kindness, and had a way of making people feel valued and loved.

His infectious smile, contagious laugh, ridiculous sense of humor, huge personality, and beautiful soul will be missed beyond measure.

Jackson was always telling his mom to stop worrying about him and to just live life and have fun. In so many ways, those words explain Jackson perfectly. He was a free spirit. He was spontaneous. He was silly. He was stubborn. He was determined. He was fiercely loyal. He loved hard, laughed loudly, and lived life in his own unmistakable way.

He was beautifully and unapologetically Jackson—and there will never be another one like him.

He was deeply, deeply loved.

We find comfort knowing that Jackson is now rejoicing in the beautiful heavens above—probably making new friends, cracking jokes, lighting up every room he walks into, and, without a doubt, doing all the ladies’ and men’s hair up there.

Jackson’s life was a gift. His story will continue in every person he loved, every child he made laugh, every friend he welcomed, every person he encouraged, every haircut he gave, every soccer field he played on, every song he made up, every joke he told, and every memory he left behind.

Although his earthly life ended far too soon, the impact of Jackson’s life will never end. The love he gave, the joy he brought, and the people he touched will carry his memory forward for generations to come.

Until we meet again, we all love you.

I love you, my little dragon. Love, Mama

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026 at North Point Church, Nixa, with a celebration of life to follow at Venue on Brick, Ozark.

Memorial donations may be given to help establish a fund for students entering barber school:

https://cfozarks.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=21130