Jackie Kelsoe Biano

NEW IBERIA - Jackie Kelsoe Biano, beloved educator, devoted friend, and passionate advocate for both people and animals, passed away at the age of 73 on January 20, 2025. Born on January 17, 1952, in Casper, Wyoming, to the late Archie and Jeane Humphrey Kelsoe, Jackie moved with her family to New Iberia, Louisiana, in 1953. This city would become her lifelong home, and she cherished the community and school she served for so many years.

A proud graduate of New Iberia High School (Class of 1970), Jackie was a member of the first freshman class to attend the school’s Admiral Doyle campus. Her love for her alma mater never wavered, and in 1974, she was hired by George Crowson as a teacher for Iberia Parish Schools, returning to the halls of NISH where she had once walked as a student. Jackie dedicated over 35 years to the school, touching the lives of countless students and colleagues. She was known for her vibrant school spirit and unwavering commitment to extracurricular activities, especially as a sponsor of the Spirit Committee, homecoming committee, and graduation committee. Her passion for the Yellow Jackets was contagious, and she helped propel NISH to the honor of being named a National School of Excellence in the 1980s.

After retiring from New Iberia Senior High, Jackie’s love for teaching did not fade. She found a new home at Highland Baptist Christian School, where she continued her work as an English teacher and mentored students in their school spirit activities. Ironically, she was hired by the daughter of George Crowson, the man who had first hired her to teach. Jackie’s spirit, enthusiasm, and deep connection with her students and their families remained a hallmark of her life.

Outside of her career, Jackie was a fierce lover of animals, particularly dogs. She served as a foster "mom" for rescue dogs and often took on the role of dog sitter for her friends’ beloved pets. Her home was a sanctuary, adorned with an abundance of plants that reflected her appreciation for the beauty of God's creation. Jackie’s warmth extended to all living creatures, human and animal alike.

An Elvis Presley enthusiast, Jackie was never without his music, often filling her home with his timeless tunes. Her family recalls that Jackie’s happiest days were those spent in the classroom, inspiring and guiding the students she held so dear.

Jackie’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and love for life will never be forgotten.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her sister, Vicky Kelsoe Primeaux and husband, Tim; one grandson, Shadd Biano and his mother, Shellie Guillotte; nieces and nephews, Jared Primeaux and wife Ashley Primeaux; Luke Primeaux; and Jean Marie York and husband Garell York, Jr; great nieces and nephews, Xander York, Camryn York, Garell York, III; Annalise York, Mason Primeaux and Carson Primeaux.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Shawn Mitchell Biano.

A celebration of her life will be held at Highland Baptist Church on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:00 am where those who knew her can come together to remember a woman who made the world a brighter place, one student, one rescue dog, and one Elvis song at a time.

In honor of Jackie’s lifelong passion for teaching and her love for New Iberia High School, the family requests that all who attend her memorial service wear their school shirts.

Rest in peace, Jackie. You will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jackie’s memory to Highland Baptist Christian School or Angel Paws.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to share their condolences and memories by visiting Jackie’s memorial at www.evangelinenewiberia.com

Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.