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William Jessup Obituary
JESSUP JR.
William "Roy" Jessup died on 3/7/10. Roy took his own life after many years of struggle with severe anxiety and depression. He was born in Wilmington, NC, on 4/28/75. He graduated from Hoggard High School in 1993, and from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC, in 1997 with a BA in English. He loved poetry and read and wrote copiously all of his life. Roy's final years were spent in Seattle, WA, where many friends grieve his passing.
Roy is survived by his parents, Bill and Millie Jessup, along with sisters Cheryl Jessup of Richmond, VA, and family, Suzanne Jessup of Queen's Creek, AZ, and family, and Jan Farber of Richmond, VA, and family. A large extended family share in his tragic loss as well.
A memorial service will be planned at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to NAMI, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.
Let Roy's words speak for him:
Day dawned brightly on our island
Ring-bills walked unbroken strands,
But time now swirls between our sands,
An inlet flows beneath our hands.
Fishermen call us by different names.
The roar of waves bends us, changed,
But storms' eyes unite us in the rain,
And the tide that ebbs is still the same.
Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Jessup
Kate Gomes
April 5, 2010
Dear Millie and Bill,
I attended the service last weekend and I just wanted you to know that it was inspiring and and a wonderful tribute to Roy's life. I never met Roy, but from the stories that were shared, I truely wish I had. He lived to the fullest and felt to the max. Love and Peace, Kate Gomes
J. M.
March 31, 2010
I was profoundly saddened by the news of Roy's death. I'm a counselor in the Seattle area that had the great honor of working with Roy for a period of time as he was wrestling with many of life's challenges. His life story was heartbreaking and unforgettable; his courage to share his story and message of hope will be long remembered by many people.
Dearest Roy, if you can hear me -- rest peacefully, for you do not have to hurt anymore. Thank you for the years you shared of yourself with the many people you inspired. Know that I and many of the people you touched are grieving your absence, and in no way judge the way you chose to exit. Dance with the angels in heaven and hurt no more.
J M
March 31, 2010
I was profoundly saddened by the news of Roy's death. I'm a counselor in the Seattle area that had the great honor of working with Roy for a period of time as he was wrestling with many of life's challenges. His life story was heartbreaking and unforgettable; his courage to share his story and message of hope will be long remembered by many people.
Dearest Roy, if you can hear me -- rest peacefully, for you do not have to hurt anymore. Thank you for the years you shared of yourself with the many people you inspired. Know that I and many of the people you touched are grieving your absence, and in no way judge the way you chose to exit. Dance with the angels in heaven and hurt no more.
Mary Morris
March 23, 2010
Dear Bill and Millie, I am so sorry about Roy's sudden and untimely death. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and friends. I wish you love and peace. Love, Mary Morris [used to be Mary Wasson]
Sadie Presser
March 21, 2010
Thinking of and praying for your family.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL...
Sadie Presser
March 20, 2010
Dearest Bill & Millie,
As you know, I am still trying to cope with my husbands recent death. I can only think of one thing worse and that is the loss of a child. I am so very sorry for your loss. I think of you every day and I am here anytime that you want to talk or need anything. Love Always, Sadie Presser
Cathy Morgan
March 16, 2010
Dear Millie and Bill,
Judy Fussell called to let me know about Roy. I was so very sorry to hear it. My memories of him are from the time when he was such a little guy, coming to the office with his school books. He was adorable! I cannot imagine your pain; I hope you can take some comfort from the good memories you all made and his beautiful writings like the posted poem.
Elizabeth Egan
March 16, 2010
Roy was a wonderful, caring, gentle person. I will always remember his voice, his laugh, his powerful way with words, and his compassion. One Christmas morning years ago, I woke up to find a mysterious gift on my porch, wrapped in the comics, from Roy. He had gone around in the middle of the night, dropping off presents to his friends. He will always be cherished in my heart and memories. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Kate Gomes
March 15, 2010
Dear Millie and Bill,
I am so sorry to hear about Roy. I remember our many conversations about our kids, and it was so very clear that Roy held a big piece of your heart. I am sure he knew that. His writing was a gift and the things he shared with you are treasures for you to keep. His time with you was too short. My heart goes out to you.
March 13, 2010
Dear Millie and Bill,
I wish I could hug both of you.I share your grief. As you may remember,our son Ryan's profile is uncannily similar to Roy's.
Love,
David Nowlin
Milford Gay
March 12, 2010
Our revels now are ended. These our actors,
As I foretold you, were all spirits and
Are melted into air, into thin air:
And, like the baseless fabric of this vision,
The cloud-capp'd towers, the gorgeous palaces,
The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve
And, like this insubstantial pageant faded,
Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff
As dreams are made on, and our little life
Is rounded with a sleep.
Humphrey Ginger
March 12, 2010
Dear Mr. & mrs. Jessup, We are so very saddened by your loss of Roy. Please know that we are thinking of you in our prayers. Julie has wonderful memories of Roy and so do I. May Gods peace with you at this time and always. Take care, Ginger and Julie Humphrey
Alison Batley
March 12, 2010
Mr. and Mrs. Jessup,
I am so sorry to hear of Roy's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. My high school art students are praying for you!
Sincerely,
Alison
Sharon Parish
March 11, 2010
Millie and Bill,So sorry to hear about your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care of yourselves. Peace be with you and yours.....
Edith Williams
March 11, 2010
Millie,
So sorry to read of Roy's death. Please know that we are all keeping you and your family in our prayers. Take good care of yourself.
Kathie Jorgensen
March 11, 2010
Millie and Bill, We were so sorry to hear of Roy's death. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Peace and love, Kathie and Philip
Katherine Moore
March 10, 2010
Dear Bill & Millie, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your wonderful son, Roy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you and keep you. Love, Katherine Moore
Elizabeth Roetger
March 10, 2010
Jessup Family,
I graduated from Hoggard with Roy so many years ago. I will never forget spending time playing and rewinding and playing again the scene in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles where they showed his face as a spectator in the crowd. He was so proud of that.
I hope memories of better days provide comfort to you.
Stephanie
March 10, 2010
Millie & Bill--I have been thinking about you so much, trying to figure out what the right words might be. Not wanting to to say the "wrong" ones....If there was something I could do, or say, that would relieve the tiniest bit of your suffering, I would do it. You have a larger circle of support and love than you may realize. It sounds so trite to say "if there is anything I can do..." but I will say it with a heart FULL of caring. If there is ANYTHING I can do....all my contact info is in the directory!! Sending you love, wishing you peace,
Steph Shea
anna newell
March 10, 2010
I love you so much, sweet boy. I feel that I walk in light when I walk with you in my heart.
always,
anna
Denise McCrae
March 10, 2010
Mr.& Mrs. Jessup, I share in your loss of your beautiful son. There are so many individuals in this world who suffer from depression and I find that it is unfortunate that there is such a lack of adequate funding for Mental Health. Mr. Jessup, I remember you when I worked as the secretary for the Summer Youth Employment Program in 1975 and I always waited on you at Sears Service Department.
God Bless,
Denise, Wilmington, NC
Nancy S. Marks
March 10, 2010
Dearest Millie and Bill,
I am so very sorry. Roy was one of my very favorite young people. My only consolation is that he has finally found that blessed peace that he had yearned for for so long.
Know that each of you is in my thoughts and prayers, as always.
Nancy S. Marks
Caryn Long
March 10, 2010
Bill and Millie - I am so very sorry to hear this news about Roy. Please know that all three of you are in my thoughts, heart, and prayers. I can imagine that Steven was there waiting for Roy as he crossed over.
Caryn, Forest, and Randolph
Mary Henderson-Niesen
March 10, 2010
Dear Bill & Millie, Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Roy, it sounds like he was a wonderful young man. He was the same age as my oldest son and I feel your pain. I will remember you in my prayers.
Denise Gabriel
March 10, 2010
Bill, Millie & family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. As time passes, I hope you will find comfort in memories & precious moments that you shared with Roy. Blessings to all.
Ann Hines
March 10, 2010
Millie and Bill, I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember Roy as a handsome young fellow, much loved by his family. I hope you will find comfort during this hard time.
Judy Fussell
March 10, 2010
Bill and Millie - We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Mike and Judy Fussell
Sharron & Joel Pickett
March 10, 2010
Millie and Bill there are no words that can ease the pain when you lose your child, no matter the age or circumstances. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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