Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Jessica Easterly Obituary

Jessica Renae Easterly

New Orleans, Louisiana

Jessica Renae Easterly, age 43, a native of D'Iberville Mississippi, tragically departed this life in August of 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

She was born August 17, 1976 at the Biloxi Hospital, attended by her grandfather, the late Dr. Clay Easterly.

She is preceded in death by her brother Clay Edgar Easterly.

Jessica is survived by her parents Rick and Donna Schmitt; her father Lloyd Easterly; her sisters, Audra Schmitt and Amanda (Terry) Barnes; a nephew and three nieces; Dillon, Dakota, Phoenix, and Kennedy. Jessica's life was also surrounded by many aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends.

She was a devoted mother to her step-daughter, Gracie. To Jessica, life pivoted on Gracie's well-being.

Cherished memories, of younger years within her Grandparents Family Home, would often be remembered by her with tender enthusiasm and joy.

Her teen years were spent living in Ocean Springs, were she graduated from Ocean Springs High School in 1994. She would later receive her undergraduate degree from The University of South Alabama, with focused subjects in Audiology and Speech Pathology.

While Jessica was christened and confirmed in the Catholic faith, she spent much of her life studying various religions in an effort to grow in the knowledge of theology, various faiths and faith practices from cultures around the world. It was important to Jessica that her Gracie be enrolled in Catholic School.

Of Jessica's life interests, the greatest was her insatiable desire for "Reading.". For Jessica, life would be explored through the avenues of typed pages, long before high heels and lipstick. Her inert talent was for fashion and design. Friends often commented that a makeover by Jessica would become a perfect makeover, making a girl's night out "memorable and special".

Her love of Family Traditions, the Holidays, and the Christmas song, Santa Baby sung by the late Marilyn Monroe (her favorite actress of this era) are just a few of the many memories of Jessica. Her quick wit, unforgettable laughter, and beautiful smile will always be remembered.

The tragedy of Jessica's loss will always ignite memories of the devotion of her two sisters, Audra and Amanda. Heaven Messengers, Armored Above, Guarded in their endless pursuit for Truth and Justice.

Maria Creel, Jessica's friend, confident, A Cry in the Wilderness became Love Empowered, Self Exposed.

The Undeterred pursuit for Truth and Justice from her two sisters and a devoted friend would become the Shelter in which we Grieve, Sought Love and Continue to Live, Faith Confident. Our Savior assurance fills our hearts: "Blessed are they who thirst and hunger for Righteousness, for they shall be satisfied, and see Justice." Here lies The Epitome of Grace.

The immediate family and close friends, inclusive of Daniel Frazza Jones and Jennifer Penrose will gather for a private ceremony in her honor at a future date.

For those wishing to express their condolences, her family, asks to please send contributions in Jessica's honor and remembrances to the:

Woman and Children's Shelter (Victims of Domestic Violence)

P.O Box 333; Biloxi, MS 39533

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sun Herald on May 24, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Jessica Easterly

Sponsored by The Sun Herald.

18 Entries

Dave K

May 18, 2025

Love you Jess!

Dave K

March 6, 2021

I only knew you for a short time and you encouraged me to keep writing and supported my work. You are a beautiful soul and will always be appreciated, loved and remembered. In due time we will get our answers. Love you!

Donna Seymour Easterly Schmitt

August 25, 2020

Already a year has passed and we are still waiting to have a "Ceremony of Your Life." I told Ricky, Dad I am going to have an area in the back of our property dedicated to you. I want it to be our special place where I can continue to connect to you through vivid memories of your life. There is a large pecan tree, reminding me of your Grandmother and Grandfather's home. The place where most of your life was shared among favorite cousins. They would always become your favorite memories. A time when we were all were having babies at the same time. In your Grandfather's eyes none of his grandchildren could do no wrong. They were perfect and we were not to chastise you in front of him. He loved to be seated at the table with a grandchild at each side.
I love you so very much,
Mom

Mom

August 17, 2020

I awaken this morning remembering 44 years ago you were placed in my arms for the first time. I was still groggy from the anesthesia but that did not stop me from inspecting every part of your perfect miniature body. There was something familiar about you, like I had seen you before from a distance. There was the same tiny body, perfectly round head filled with black hair and for years I thought I must have dreamed the exact vision, replica of this beautiful baby cuddled against my chest.
The feel of your soft silky skin against the pads of my finger tips would forever be etched in my memory. And then your tiny miniature hand reached up and took hold of my first finger, tears ran down my cheeks and I thought my heart would burst, with love that would be with me till the last of my days.
You were worth every day, every prayer, every fear and every tear I shed those 4 months in bed waiting for you to grow to term.
I love you Jessica Easterly and Happy 44th Birthday!!!
Love, Mom

Joys girls

June 16, 2020

Have such fond memories of spending many childhood days with our fourth sister, Jessica. It is impossible to reminisce on youth without remembering Jessica and the integral role she played in it. Jessica made mandatory outside playtime fun, whether it was being chased by one of her dogs, jumping on the trampoline, inventing a game, swimming at the creek or picking blueberries. She had a wonderful sense of humor and an amazing imagination. Jessicas memory lives on in one of our girls who has Jessicas beautiful, large, expressive eyes (though, they arent brown), her laugh and ability to mimic others. We pray that Jessica has found peace.

Evangeline Easterly Taylor

June 15, 2020

Jessica was always the funniest cousin to be around. We had many fun Christmases in Biloxi at Grandma's house - running through the yard, jumping on the trampoline, or watching movies in her home just across the bridge at the creek. She loved to laugh and joke growing up. Jessica has always been beautiful, especially those big brown eyes. I miss her. Love you, Evangeline

Clay Easterly

June 9, 2020

One of my best memories of Jessica took place during the summer in the late 1980s. I had taken Elliott with me to a scientific meeting in Colorado west of Denver. After the meeting we drove north to visit Lloyd and Jessica, who was living with him that summer. We arrived at their abode, a cabin previously used as a motel suite. It was about mid-way between Loveland, where he worked at a nursery, and Estes Park. Jessica and Elliott decided we should take a hike in Estes Park. We arrived at our chosen trailhead late morning. Our hike brought us through rocky Alpine meadows filled with little but colorful flowers. And the conversation was equally refreshing and bright as the day. The cousins were discussing the past school year, the summer and what was ahead next year. The sun felt good on our skin, given the coolness of altitude. Suddenly, a fierce wind came up with rain and sleet. As we shivered (all wearing short clothes), Jessica spied a niche in a nearby rock face. We ran to it and huddled closely for about 15 minutes. The, the sky cleared and the sun shone and we proceeded to a crystal-clear lake at the end of the trail. Behind the lake was a shear mountainthe Continental Divide. Our hike down was easy and we became hungry. At dinner we all recounted our close encounter with nature. The day with Jessica was a happy day.

Cathy Easterly

June 5, 2020

I remember Jessica as a little girl, playing with her big dog, watching Dr. Who and imitating Miss Piggy to irritate her Mom. Jessica was witty, smart and very articulate. She had a good heart and her grandmother was always telling everyone about what a good cook she was. She loved her family and friends and leaves an unfillable void in their lives.

Bonnie Spencer

June 5, 2020

Jessica was my niece and I fondly remember reading to her and her cousins in the large living room at her grandmothers house in Biloxi. She had large beautiful brown eyes and she paid such close attention to the story that it was almost startling. I also so remember putting her on our Shetland ponies, April and Nancy and walking her around the pasture talking to her and listening to that sweet voice. Jessica loved to talk and I have had the most interesting conversations with her on virtually any subject you could think of! We called her "Jiminy Cricket" when she was small because she was so quick, smart and verbal. Jessica grew up to be a gorgeous woman, engaging, and well spoken. I told her often that she had been too much charm for her own good! She was loved by me and she will always be in my prayers.

Maria Creel

May 28, 2020

There were so many times where I was the lost. The raised by wolves. The tag along with the fake ID. The terrible driver that definitely put you in grave danger. The girl that played the music too loud and always had a terrible boyfriend. You laughed with me at me in all the places I might have felt bad instead. I don't want to leave a meaningful sentiment about our friendship. It'll never be bright or shiny enough to glow like our conversations did. I just want my friend back. I want to call you and catch up on things since the last time we talked, like always. I don't know how to accept this theft of light from the world. I miss you like crazy. I hear the music you send me. I love you always and forever.
Lo

Jen

May 27, 2020

Ill miss everything about her.
We became instant besties at ages 6&7. I remember the day well. We were inseparable those early years and never lost touch when I moved away. Catch up calls and a few visits sprinkled in throughout adulthood. Although we developed new friendships and interests over time, we never missed a birthday wish or reaching out to share something we both loved. I could always count on getting a call or sweet, southern voice message. She was a beautiful soul who taught me to imagine bigger and brighter things.
Taken away too soon.
May her precious soul be at ease.
We will never forget you, Jess.
Love you forever.

Amy Beaugez Burke

May 25, 2020

Jessica and I were friends in high school , and like many of us , over time , we lost touch , went on with our lives etc . But when we recently were reunited and then realized we both lived in New Orleans it was a fantastic reunion !! We hung out a few times and really reconnected . I miss her tremendously . Her personality was tremendous and sparkled . I Love you and Miss you . Amy Beaugez .

Judy Fleming Beaugez

May 24, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Shirley Hadley

May 23, 2020

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Phillip mullen

May 23, 2020

So sorry to hear this.jessica was my second cousin. Which I never met her.from the looks of her. She was beautiful as her mom..god help her family get through this horrible thing.that has crushed this family..RIP Jessica

Karen Spring Logan

May 23, 2020

I didn't know Jessica but live in Lakeview and have walked by the house where she and her husband lived. I will do what I can to work for justice for you and your family. My deepest sympathy.

Jo jo koonce

May 23, 2020

Jessica you were always a great friend and special soul. I love you dearly.

Michele Bettis

May 23, 2020

Dear Jessica, we have never met. But Ive gotten to know you after the Lord has taken your hand. Just know that your life was and is precious to many and that you are missed and absolutely loved. Praying you are resting.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results