Jessica Anne Stephenson passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2018. She was 36.

While her life was characterized by catastrophic and enduring illness, she had an indomitable spirit and woke each day smiling and delighted by the possibilities that lay ahead. Jessica loved her family, classical and jazz music, and the spoken word. Indeed, she loved to sit and be read stories. She also enjoyed ballet. Few who were privileged to know Jessica went away untouched by the unfathomable love her presence represented. She brought out the best in all with whom she interacted.

Jessica was preceded in death by her grandparents, Anthony and Anna Wioska and Max and Coy Stephenson.

She is survived by her parents, Max Stephenson Jr. and Christina Stephenson; and her two brothers, Adam and Scott Stephenson.

There is no question her spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of her family and those who were otherwise graced to know her and whose lives she so deeply enriched. She will be long and sorely missed.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, 2018, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A Funeral Mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 19, 2018, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Salem with Father Ken Shuping officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to remember Jessica consider providing a donation to Lutheran Family Services of Virginia, http://lfsva.org/. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.