Jessica Lynn Suarez

Jessica Lynn Bembry was born on November 24, 1983 to Rev. Mark & Patsy Bembry. As a girl, Jessica had many interests. She loved attending plays, and could spend hours lost in a good book. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends, drawing, and traveling. Her love of travel would work to her benefit when she met and married a young, itinerate preacher. Jessica was raised in Norfolk Apostolic Church. Upon giving her life to the Lord, she was baptized in Jesus name and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jessica's father is the Associate Pastor at the church, and it was here that Jessica learned about ministry as she watched both of her parents dedicate their lives to God's service. Jessica developed a desire to sing and began singing in church at a young age while dreaming of one day recording an album. Her beautiful voice has touched thousands of people along the way.

Jessica married the love of her life, Rev. Anthony Suarez on August 23, 2003 in a beautiful ceremony. They were blessed by God with three beautiful children: two sons Kohl, 11, Zachary, 6 and one daughter, Mykael, 9.

Her children were her life. Her favorite baseball player was Kohl, her favorite soccer player was Zachary and she never heard a more beautiful voice than that of Mykael when she would sing. Jessica loved sharing about the adventures of motherhood via social media and was ever-present at her children's sports games, recitals, and other activities. She was a member of the PTA and a teacher's aide at New Castle Elementary School in Virginia Beach. On most afternoons you would find Jessica, along with Allison and Matt LeClaire, standing guard of the neighborhood circle while children rode bicycles and scooters, and balls flew overhead or children splashed in the pool.

Jessica's next passion, after her family, was ministry. She worked tirelessly alongside her husband and was his partner in ministry. Together they began pastoring a small church on the Northside of Chicago in 2003. Upon moving to Virginia, Tony and Jessica founded The Pentecostals of Norfolk which became the fastest growing Spanish speaking congregation in Hampton Roads. The call to travel never ceased and, along with pastoring, they traveled the world with Tony preaching and Jessica singing. The Lord continued to bless this family and as a result new doors opened for them in 2013 with Rev. Suarez's appointment to the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.

Jessica was a frequent singing guest on Trinity Broadcasting Network's program, "Praise the Lord" as well as their ministry's television program "Faith Alive". Earlier this year, Jessica's lifelong dream of recording an album became a reality. One week before she was diagnosed with leukemia, "Come To The Well" was released which features songs written by Jessica, and it is just one of the many ways she will continue to touch lives.

Jessica passed peacefully from this life on October 6, 2016 surrounded by her husband, parents and sister. She fought her illness with hope, faith, and unforgettable grace and courage. Jessica touched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know and love her. Her example of how to live with dignity even in the face of difficult trials will continue to be an inspiration to everyone who prayed for her over the last year.

Jessica is survived by her devoted husband Rev. Anthony Suarez, two sons Kohl Suarez, Zachary Suarez and a daughter Mykael Suarez, her loving parents Rev. Mark & Patsy Bembry, a cherished sister Janelle Bembry, two grandmothers, Shirley Bembry and Bonnie Boor, one aunt Martha (David) Hoyt, two uncles Bill (Marie) Cline & Randy Cline, and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, James Bembry & Robert Boor, and her Uncle Matthew Bembry.

FUNERAL SERVICES:

Visitation:
October 13, 2016
Norfolk Apostolic Church
3131 Azalea Garden Rd.
Norfolk, VA 23513
Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Service 7:30 p.m.

Celebration of Life
October 14, 2016
Rock Church International
640 Kempsville Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Service begins at 10:30 a.m.

Internment:
Colonial Grove Memorial Park
3445 Princess Anne Road

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Claire Brothers Funeral Home (7901 Hillcroft Street, Houston, Texas 77081).