Rao Jasti

Mr. Rao Vijaya Jasti of Concord, NC passed away on Wednesdsay, October 30 ,2024.

In 1939, Vijaya Vardhana Rao Jasti was born to Jasti Raghaviah and Jasti Chandramma in Bodapadu, India. He was preceded in death by his two older brothers Jasti Venkata Rattayya and Jasti Radha Krishna Murthy. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years Ratna Kumari Jasti, their two children Raghu (Sarwinder) and Ramesh (Brinda), two grandchildren Devdan and Cooper, and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Vijaya immigrated to the United States in 1963. After completing his education, he accepted a teaching position at Barber Scotia College in 1967. He would spend the next 47 years educating students and, in many instances, teaching multiple generations of family members. While teaching at a HBCU in the rural South in those early years had its challenges he always saw the best in people and felt purpose in educating many first-generation college students. Students often shared how he believed in them when they struggled and encouraged them to dream big.

He and a colleague were the first two immigrants from South Asia to live in Concord, North Carolina. He was a bit of a curiosity and even triggered an article in the local paper titled "Who is "This Man?" This eventually led to him speaking at many local churches about his life and journey to America from India. He never sought recognition for his efforts, speaking rarely about his own accomplishments, and preferred to listen and support others in their endeavors. His modesty extended to every aspect of his life.

He was a man of simple pleasures. He had a profound love of UNC basketball and Coach Dean Smith. He rarely missed a game and was always ready to engage in a spirited conversation. His enthusiasm for the Tarheels was only matched by his passion for keeping up with politics, both local and national. Even with his health deteriorating the last week of his life he was determined to cast his vote for a former student in this latest election.

He will be deeply missed but his legacy will live in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A private service was held for the family at Wilkinson Funeral Home.