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Jessica Upshaw Obituary
Mendenhall
Jessica Sibley Upshaw, 53, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2013. A private graveside service will be Friday, March 29. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 30, in Diamondhead, MS in the sanctuary of the Diamondhead Community Church at 2:00 pm with visitation beginning at 12:30 pm. Arrangements are entrusted to Tutor Funeral Home in Mendenhall, MS.
Jessica was born on August 31, 1959, in Meridian and raised in Okolona. After earning a bachelor of business administration and juris doctorate degrees at the University of Mississippi, Jessica followed in her father's path in entering the legal profession. She practiced law with firms in Winona and on the MS Gulf Coast prior to starting her own law practice specializing in worker's compensation.
Elected to serve in the Mississippi House of Representatives in 2004, Jessica proved herself a vigorous people's advocate as she ably represented House District 95, including Hancock and Harrison counties. She held various committee assignments and leadership positions during her tenure with the House including Chair of the House conservation and Water Resources Committee which she held at death. She was a leader in the Mississippi Gulf Coast's recovery from both Hurricane Katrina and the BP Oil Spill. She was an advocate for tourism and fiscal responsibility.
She took every opportunity to promote Mississippi. She was active in community, social and civic affiliations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Colonial Dames, the P. E. O. Sisterhood, and Cursillo. She loved traveling and exploring other cultures around the world, accompanied by family and loved ones. She was a strong Christian and a member of First United Methodist Church in Gulfport.
She will be remembered for her vibrant character, her passion for living and her service to the people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Survivors include her daughter, Lauren Upshaw Welch; son-in-law, Thomas Stewart Welch; grandson, Porter Robert Welch; mother, Sandra Saunders Sibley; and sister, Faye Carole Sibley Cleveland. She was preceded in death by her father, John Dale Sibley, and a brother, John Dale Sibley Jr.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Salvation Army or charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.tutorfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jessica Upshaw
Ellen Wheeler
June 3, 2013
Thinking of you in your hour of sorrow in the passing of your beloved mother. Dr. Ellen Jayne Wheeler, Chaplain General, Colonial Dames of the XVII Century
Drew Mason
March 30, 2013
Jessica was my Dear Friend.
Golfer, Delta Gamma, B.S. at Ole Miss, Law Degree from Ole Miss. Family oriented. Representative for Mississippi.
Intelligence, warmth, grace, humanity, heart, and dignity.
The best. Will always love you Jessica.
Peace, my friend.
Lady Anne Bruce
March 29, 2013
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Anonymous
March 29, 2013
Jessica was loved and respected by so many. She will be sooo deeply missed.
March 29, 2013
Faye Carole, We were so sorry to read of your sister's death. May her soul rest in peace.
Love, Dona and Gordon
Judy and John Mayer
March 29, 2013
Lauren and family . . . May God hold you close as He carries you through this time of sorrow. Jessica was a special friend and passionate about her work in helping others and championing honesty and fairness as she served in the Legislature and in life. We will deeply miss her, but remember the good times of our friendship with love and compassion.
Our love and prayers are with and for you.
David, Sharon, & Amy Keith
March 28, 2013
Lauren & family...
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We will miss Jessica more than words could ever express. With deepest sympathy..
March 28, 2013
Lauren:
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss your mom very much. She was truly a good friend and a very good person to work for.
Jo Jeansonne
Dorothy Wilson
March 28, 2013
Jessica's smile and energy will be missed by all in her Leadership Gulf Coast Class. Our prayers are with her family and friends.
Dorothy Wilson,
LGC Class of 98-99
Hermolee "Lee" T. Barnes
March 28, 2013
Jessica will always be a treasured member of our Leadership Gulf Coast family (LGC Class 1998-1999). Heartfelt condolences to Jessica's beautiful daughter and her family, and her loving parents and other family members. May God's ever-lasting love surround you.
Cathy carnathan Hendrix
March 28, 2013
Faye Carole: You and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers. I have such fond memories of our growing up together in Okolona. I always thought so very much of you and your family. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers. May you feel the Lords presence during this difficult time. God bless you.
Martha McCoy DeVargas
March 28, 2013
Mrs. Sibley, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have fond memories from school of you and your family growing up in Okolona. May your memories bring you comfort as you hold them close to your heart.
Gisela Rainey
March 28, 2013
My dear Sandra -
I was so sad to read that you have lost your Jessica. I have very fond memories talking to her on several occasions in your home. Although, I moved away from the Mississippi Coast, I participated at one of the fund raisers for her, while visiting there. Since I was in charge of the event, I have such vivid memory of the Diamondhead Mardi Gras Ball, when you and John were that year's royalties;
Jessica looking so pretty and Lauren already such a young lady.
Dear Sandra, may I put my arms around you since I live too far away to do it in person.
To you, Lauren and the family my deepest sympathy.
Gisela
Mary Bauer
March 28, 2013
Sandra, so sorry for your loss!!I will always remember you as one of my best friends in Diamondhead!!
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