Jessica had a way of leaving people with stories – the funny ones, the outrageous ones, the tender ones, and probably a few that shouldn’t be repeated in certain company. Those stories are part of her legacy.
Jessica’s family and friends created this page in tribute, and here is what her loved ones have to say.
Jenn
Never enough time.
The last time I saw you I gave you a hug and said, “let’s not wait so long for the next hugs!”
Oh, this is hard.
The whirlwind of memories. Your pert nose. Your lingering perfume. I remember placing my feet under the bottom rung of your chair as we spoke. There are many questions that will never get answered. I have so many more “I love yous” to tell you.
I scan the corners of my brain to replay every moment of my last minutes with you-like a movie on repeat.
Our dad left us too soon — and you were so young. Your battle with mental health began shortly after his passing and I know you fought with everything you had.
I never expected a future in which my sister wouldn’t exist. And my hear breaks over and over again that she was in so much pain- that she thought the future was better without her.
I would give anything for her story to have ended differently. But if telling her story helps even one person choose to stay, choose to ask for help, choose to check on someone they love or simply understand that it’s okay to not be okay–then her light is still reaching people.
You will always be my Little Toot.
Lexi
My mom was a friend to everyone. She lit up every room she walked in. Anywhere she went, heads turned.
Words can’t describe how I feel. My mom was a warrior. To think that after all she went through, she made it this far. I am so unbelievably proud of her.
Anyone who knows me knows my mom and I had an on-and-off relationship. When it was good, it was like soaring. The bad felt like I was drowning. It took a toll on my life. However, no matter how bad it got, she was always my mom.
I still cared for her more than anybody. She was always the person I could confide in, who would support me no matter how dumb I was being.
My best friend, the only person who truly understood every word coming out of my mouth, has left me. I hope that my mom has found peace, that’s all she has ever wanted since she was 13. I love you to the moon and back mom. No one will ever replace the bond I had with you.
We would give anything for her story to have ended differently. But if telling her story helps even one person choose to stay, choose to ask for help, choose to check on someone they love, or simply understand that it’s okay to not be okay — then her light is still reaching people.
To continue shining her light into those darkest corners, you can make a gift to DBSA’s mental health initiatives or share this page with someone who might benefit. Every contribution and every conversation can be a step toward healing and understanding.
Christen:
There are still days when I don’t have the words for losing my little sister, Jess. I’m not sure I ever will.
But what I do know is that she was so much more than the hardest moments of her life….
The joy I felt when I’d receive a text, call or random FaceTime, can’t be explained… I miss her so much.
She was beyond funny, beautiful, complicated, unforgettable—and there are a million stories that make us say, “Only Jess.”
Our family is choosing to honor her by allowing her story to have purpose.
Mental illness can touch families who love fiercely, show up, pray, fight, advocate, and do everything they know how to do. Sometimes love alone simply isn’t enough. That’s why education, treatment, community, research, compassion, and organizations willing to stand beside families matter so much.
If sharing her story helps one person ask for help, one family recognize that they aren’t alone, or one person choose to stay for another tomorrow, then her light is still doing something in this world.
I wish more than anything that Jess were here to tell her own story. Since she can’t, we will continue loving her, talking about the things that matter, supporting this work, and carrying her with us.
Keep dancing, Jess. 🧡
Your story isn’t ending here.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
DBSA is the leading national organization focused on depression and bipolar disorder. DBSA provides peer-led support, trusted resources, and wellness tools for individuals living with mood disorders—as well as for their family members, friends, parents, and caregivers.
