Jayci Jewel Harper

Jayci Jewel Harper of Harper passed away on Saturday August 9th at the age of 25years.

Jayci Jewel Harper was born on August 8, 2000, in San Antonio, Texas. Her mother Crystal Garcia loved Jayci so much, but due to unfortunate circumstances, she had to give her up for adoption, which is the biggest gift a mother could give her child. God chose a couple he knew that would be there for Jayci and love her unconditionally, Jay and Robin Harper. God already knew the struggles Jayci would endure and placed her with a family that would love her and fight to help her to the end. Jayci loved God and her family so much and they loved her in return.

Jayci attended school at Harper ISD. She took tap and cheer lessons. She was in Competitive Cheer, which she loved. Jayci also had a big love for animals. She also participated in Harper 4-H and Harper FFA. She really enjoyed showing meat goats.

After graduating High School, Jayci attended BK Cosmetology in Kerrville. She did not complete it due to personal reasons and re-enrolled last August. She loved cosmetology so much, but due to health issues she had to take a leave and did not get to graduate from there We are so grateful to Brandy Scoggins and all she did to help our daughter be successful and reach her dream.

Jayci has two beautiful daughters that she loved more than life itself. Jayla and Ariez were her pride and joy. Jayci was such a mama bear and very protective of both of her girls. She worried even when they were taking their first steps. If they fell and got a bump she would cry and wonder if they were ok. Jayci would have done anything to protect her daughters, and she made some tough decisions to ensure that they would always be protected and loved. She and Jayla loved to go fishing together and she looked forward to the day that she could teach Ariez to fish as well.

Jayci was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. She went to adoration and church a few short weeks before her death. She was fighting so hard to get to a place where she could provide a good home for her daughters. That was her biggest goal in life. She also attended an ACTS retreat, and her ACTS family made a huge impression on her life. It encouraged her to seek God always.

Jayci lost her battle to addiction, on August 9, 2025, only a few short hours after her 25th birthday. Jayci, your family loves you so much and knows that you are no longer suffering and are reunited with your brother whom you adored. You and Josh will always be in our hearts and will never be forgotten.

Jayci is survived by her two beautiful daughters, Jayla Ann Denise Harper and Ariez Elysium Sundance Harper-Curtis, and their fathers Diego Matthew Aguilar and Jesse James Curtis.

She is also survived by her parents Jay and Robin Harper, siblings, Christopher Jay Harper his wife and children (Amber, Bailey, Arrow, Huxley, Atlas), Richard Robert Harper, Ashley Vivian Anne Harper and her family (Michael, Dallas), Alex Harper his fiancé Lauren and their daughter Paislee and her grandparents Sharon Wienecke and Elicia Harper, uncles and aunts, Tim and Renee Smith, Ronnie and Julie Doggett, Bruce and Joy Myrick, Jimmy Harper and Brent Hay, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition, she is also survived by her biological mother Crystal Garcia, biological siblings Adrian, Laura, Jimmy, James, and JA and her biological grandmother Doris Garcia.

Jayci was preceded in death by her brother Joshua Wade Harper, grandfathers Cecil Wayne Harper and Robert William Wienecke, and aunt Sheley Smith "Shel-Shel" whom she adored.

We would like to thank Schaetter Funeral Home, especially Shaun and JJ for their help and compassion getting our daughter back to Fredericksburg so she can be laid to rest, Bexar County first responders for trying to get Jayci to the hospital and save her life for us, Gillespie County Sheriff Chris Ayala, Officer Kruse, and their entire department for their love and support helping comfort Jayla and Ariez during the loss of their mommy.

In addition, want to thank our entire community, family, and St. Anthony Parishoners, Father Rudy, Father Enda, and Deacon Curtis for loving us through this very difficult time. We could not have made it through this tragedy without the continued love and support from each one of you. We wish we could mention each of you by name because we are so grateful for the outpouring of love you have shown us.

Pall Bearers are Chris Harper, Ricky Harper, Alex Harper, Tim Smith, Layne Smith and Dominik Chilleri.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday August 23rd at 11:00 a.m. in St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Harper with Fr. Rudy officiating.

Graveside services and interment will follow in Harper Community Cemetery.

Rosary services will be held in St. Anthony's Catholic Church on Saturday August 23rd at 10:30 a.m. prior to the Mass.

Visitation for Jayci will be held on Saturday August 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in St. Anthony's Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Anthony's Church Fish Fry, St. Mary's ACT'S, or to the charity of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com

Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home