NORCROSS, Ga.,None — The Norcross teen killed in a violent home invasion on Feb. 2 was remembered and laid to rest Saturday.
The casket carrying the body of 15-year-old Nicholas Jackson II arrived at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in a horse-drawn carriage.
Immediately after, the valedictorian and football standout killed when robbers opened fire in his house was carried inside by his football coaches from Norcross High School.
Jackson was remembered as a friend and tutor to many of his teammates and a mentor to his peers, Channel 2's Carl Willis reported.
"He was an inspiring person. He never got into any trouble and he always did his best on the field, and feeling the loss of a brother just saddens the whole team," said teammate Nick Kim.
Jackson's mother, Shameka Render, said she will always remember their close bond.
"He was so special to me," she said. "He was such a mama's boy, and I loved him so much."
Six men have been arrested in the case.
Jackson's story even reached the coach at Alabama State University.
Friends and family said that is where Jackson dreamed of playing football and excelling in the classroom.
Jackson was made an honorary student and member of the ASU 2012 football team.
"We just thought it was really important that we just come over here and let his family know and the other people in this community know that they had a really good guy in Nicholashere, and we just want him to be a part of what we have going on at ASU," said head football coach Reggie Barlow.
Students at Hopewell Christian Academy in Norcross wore red Friday Jackson's honor. Jackson spent three years at the private school before transferring to Norcross High School to play football.
Saturday, the Hopewell Christian Academy principal said Jackson will be remembered for years to come.
"Every year, five years, 10 years, 20 years up the road we're going to have a Nicholas Jackson award for a student at Hopewell Christian Academy," said Dr. Burrell Pope.
Jackson's service was in a church across the parking lot from where he became valedictorian just last year.
Jackson's mother thanked the community for supporting her family in this difficult time.
"I also want to say that it's because of you guys that I am as strong as I am," Render said.
WSBTV
