How the community can honor slain Jackson County deputy, support his family
The Gulf Coast Chapter of the Mississippi Police Benevolent Association and the Police Benevolent Foundation and the South Mississippi Planning and Development District are accepting donations to assist the family of a Jackson County sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty.
Donations will benefit the family of Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Jimerson, who died April 2 after responding to a noise complaint at the Reserve at Gulf Hills apartment complex on Washington Avenue the night before.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, the shooter, identified as 27-year-old Maley Elizabeth Ross, was walking around the complex armed with a pistol and playing loud music. Jimerson was the first to arrive and chased Ross on foot.
Jimerson was shot in an exchange of gunfire with Ross, who also died of her injuries. Ross died at the scene, and Jimerson died a short time later at Ocean Springs Hospital.
The day before the shooting, the Mississippi Board of Nursing revoked Ross’ nursing license for multiple violations, including drug and alcohol use on the job, patient abandonment, failure to attend required AA and NA meetings, and failed drug tests, according to board records.
Jimerson’s funeral is set for 1 p.m. Friday, with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Biloxi, 1560 Popp’s Ferry Road, in Biloxi.
“We appreciate so many organizations reaching out to show their generosity and respect for Deputy Jimerson and his family,” Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said.
The community is invited to stand along the funeral procession route as a tribute.
The procession will leave the church heading east, then turn right onto Central Avenue, continue on D’Iberville Boulevard to Automall Parkway, Rodriguez Street, Gorenflo Road, Quave Road and Brittany Avenue. It will pass Jimerson’s favorite spot, the Brittany Avenue boat launch, before turning onto Lemoyne Boulevard, traveling down Washington Avenue past the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department substation, then onto U.S. 90 and across the Biloxi-Ocean Springs bridge to Main Street in Biloxi and concluding on Howard Avenue at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home in Biloxi.
Crowds are encouraged to gather along the route, including near the Biloxi bridge, beginning as early as 1 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue and bring flags in his honor.
Jimerson is remembered as a man with a servant’s heart, unwavering loyalty and a deep love for his family and community, according to his obituary.
He was a graduate of St. Martin High School and worked at Sparklight Internet and Mobile during the day while serving as a Jackson County sheriff’s deputy at night.
Jimerson is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sheila Jimerson; a daughter, Paige Powell; and a son, Michael Jimerson Jr., who followed in his father’s footsteps in law enforcement, along with other relatives.
“He was a good man,” said his best friend, retired Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy Curtis Spiers. “He got into law enforcement for all the right reasons. He wanted to help people, and that’s what he did.”
Ledbetter described Jimerson as someone who “had the demeanor and personality suited for law enforcement.”
“He had a positive impact on everyone he met,” Ledbetter said. “The community loved him, and so did everyone at the Sheriff’s Department who worked with him.”
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is handling the case.
This story was originally published April 8, 2026 at 1:44 PM.
