05/16/2026
May 15, 2026
MEMORIAL STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILY OF JESSICA HENDERSON
The family of Jessica Henderson would like to thank the community for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, and support following Jessica’s tragic death.
Currently, the family requests continued privacy as they navigate unimaginable grief and begin the difficult process of honoring Jessica’s life.
While there will come a time for broader conversations surrounding domestic violence, survivor safety, and systemic failures, the family’s focus right now is simple: they want the public to know who Jessica truly was.
Jessica was not defined by the violence that ended her life.
She was sunshine.
She was warmth.
She was laughter loud enough to change the feeling of an entire room the moment she walked into it.
People felt accepted around Jessica. Safe around her. Seen around her. She had a way of making others feel beautiful, valued, and important — often complimenting the smallest things about people that nobody else even noticed. She believed people deserved kindness, second chances, and unconditional love.
Jessica loved loudly. If she loved you, you knew it and everyone else did too.
She was the person people called when they were struggling, celebrating, grieving, anxious about an event, or simply needing somewhere to belong. Friends and family describe her as someone who created community naturally. It did not matter where someone came from, what they had been through, or what others thought about them Jessica welcomed them without judgment.
She was especially passionate about uplifting women, survivors, members of the LGBTQ+ community, individuals in recovery, and people struggling with mental health challenges. She believed deeply that every person deserved to feel loved, empowered, and accepted exactly as they were.
Jessica dreamed of one day opening a nonprofit dedicated to helping women and girls feel confident, beautiful, and worthy. As a survivor herself, she openly spoke about wanting to use her experiences to help others find their voices and strength.
In Jessica’s own words:
“My journey as a survivor shapes my mission to uplift others, a testament to my unwavering spirit… I am determined to create a world where survivors find their voices and strength, guided by compassion and unwavering determination.”
Jessica was creative, vibrant, and unapologetically herself. She loved tattoos and considered her body art a reflection of her spirit and story. She loved bright colors, sparkles, band tees, changing her hair on a whim, music of every kind, and dancing and singing loudly with the people she loved.
She loved kayaking, riding her bike, thrift shopping, traveling, caring for her dog Trigg, spending time outdoors, and filling her apartment with plants, wildflowers, crystals, and warmth. Her family says sunsets, lilacs, eucalyptus, rocks, and bright colors will forever remind them of her.
Jessica was also incredibly intelligent and deeply thoughtful.
She was an advocate who used her voice and writing abilities to assist children and young women in finding their voices and healing from trauma. Her journals were filled with ideas, dreams, quotes, reflections, and plans for the future.
Above all else, Jessica made people feel loved.
One family member shared that anytime they stressed about what to wear for an event, Jessica would immediately respond: “Girl shut up and come go through my closet,” before enthusiastically pulling outfits for them to try on. Moments like those — full of laughter, comfort, and care — are how her loved ones hope she will be remembered.
Jessica’s story will not end with tragedy.
Her legacy will be love, acceptance, empowerment, authenticity, and the countless lives she touched simply by being herself.
In the words of Jessica:
“Peace out Girl Scout.”
If you knew Jessica, loved her, met her, or are a fellow advocate or survivor of domestic violence, the family welcomes you to attend the memorial service in honor of her life.
For those who have asked how to help, a fund has been established to support the family during this time: https://gofund.me/b6c037bac
f you are able, the family would greatly appreciate support through donations or sharing of the family’s GoFundMe fundraiser to assist with funeral and related expenses. Flowers and plants can be sent to Merle Hay Funeral Home.
The family asks the public and media to continue honoring Jessica with compassion and dignity. There will be a time to discuss the broader realities surrounding domestic violence, survivor safety, and the significant systemic failures involved in this tragedy, and those issues will be addressed publicly when appropriate. Right now, the priority is preserving space for Jessica’s loved ones to grieve while ensuring the world understands the extraordinary woman they lost.
