Jessica Rae Meredith

Jessica Rae Meredith, better known to many as Jessie or Jess, was born on March 5, 1989; and  gracefully and peacefully gained her wings in her home in Riner, Va. on July 10, 2025.

Jessica was reunited in heaven with her grandparents Hestle and Dorothy Akers, Mr. & Mrs. Winford Meredith, Aunt Dookie (Loretta Marshall, Uncle Buck (Akers) and special cousins Angi and Michael Meredith, A very special childhood friend Amy Batts. Without a doubt, in her Mom and Dad's eyes, they were waiting with our Heavenly Father at the gates of heaven with arms open wide.

Jessica is survived by her loving parents, Johnny and Phyllis Meredith, who cherished and loved her unconditionally. She is also survived by her greatest accomplishments and source of immense joy, her children, Quentin Pierce and Layla Elise. Jessica's face lit up when they came running toward her full of laughter and hugs. Snuggling time was the best. Jessica's love and beauty will forever live through them. She will be missed immeasurably by her devoted sister Heather who was always there in a red hot minute regardless of what she needed; they were inseparable. H2J and J2H was their signal if one needed each other. She also leaves her brother-in-law, Antonio Akers and her nephew Landon, who she adored and held on a pedestal, which was entirely mutual. Aunts include Annette (Kenneth) Moles, Eloise Minnick. Uncles include Ronnie (Elaine) Meredith, Phillip (Debbie) Akers, Donald “Sonny” Akers. Too many cousins to list; rest assure she loved you all. But her closest cousin and the one that was her “bestest” was Amber Marshall Reed. They loved their walks together and hearing their giggles was priceless, a special memory mom will forever carry with her. Special friends: Jessica Gillispie, Nicole Christian, Michelle Kittinger.

Creativity flowed through “Jess” allowing her to see and bring out the extraordinary in others. Her smile was so big, so contagious. She expressed her craft/artistry by making those around her feel beautiful, expertly cutting, coloring and styling hair. Jess had become a pro applying makeup, meticulously crafting stunning manicures and pedicures. She loved doing weddings. Jessica shared all the tricks of the trade to all that needed help. So many have reached out to express how much help she gave them with the tips and tricks she shared. Jessica was never reluctant; she shared her knowledge freely. The family asks that when you use one of her tips or tricks to pause, look up and smile and know Jessie is shining and smiling down on you, then say a prayer for God to watch over her babies.

Beyond her work “Jessie” also had a deep passion for photography; through which she would capture and bring beauty to life, whether it was the majestic mountains or natural scenery of Riner. The delicate petals of flowers, or just in her handsome little man she called “Q” and radiant beauty of her daughter who she called “Ladybug”. She loved taking pictures of them sleeping, being silly, sneaking up on them and catching their reactions was pure joy to her. Her heart will live within them and no one will ever take that away.

Jessica had an unparalleled gift of finding beauty in everything and everyone around her, always believing that the sun would come up tomorrow and that everything was going to be okay. Her sense of humor had faded a bit over the years, but when she let go, laughter surrounded our home. Her optimistic spirit was a source of light and comfort to all who knew her. Jessica is at rest now free of heartbreak and struggles.

Her family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Robert and Sarah Morris without whom both Johnny & Phyllis and Heather would not be surviving right now. Rebecca, Stacy and Lisa thank you! Her Physician Dawn Fouse, Claude Miles, Jessica favorite teacher, along with his work at Horne Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be held Saturday July 26, 2025 at Park United Methodist Church Christiansburg, Va. Visitation will be 4:30 to 6pm followed by the funeral service at the Church. Flowers are welcome, but honestly, we can hear Jessica's voice telling us to take care of Quentin and Layla. A memorial donation may be made for Jessica’s children Quentin and Layla through Trinity Episcopal Church, Mt Airy N.C. https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/HARBKKTWF7J56 All money received will be placed in a savings account for them in case of need or college someday.