Jessica Graham

Born in Opelousas, LA on April 3, 1984

Departed on August 23, 2020 and resided in White Bluff, Tennessee

Jessica Lee Graham came into the world on April 3rd, 1984, the daughter of David and Dale Graham, sister of Jason and Samantha. Her stunning blue eyes and bright smile were infectious. As she grew it was clear that she could do anything she set her sights on, and would have a future of unmeasurable personal satisfaction. As a little girl she loved gymnastics, other sports not so much. As she got older, it was the blueways all around us that she was drawn to.

Jessica became a mother on December 24th, 2004. Daniel Graham Repasky came into the world already loved deeply by his family. They were a team, always together, always watching out for each other. She loved and thrived in her new role as the mother of Daniel. She home schooled Daniel for most of his early school years, and did a masterful job as she did in most things.

Later she became a mother of 2 when her daughter Aerista Repasky joined the family. The judge explained the enormous responsibility involved in adopting a young girl. Jessica was undaunted, and they too became an awesome team.

Jessica has spent most of her life enjoying and advocating for the beautiful rivers and waterways around her. She loved kayaking, fishing, the beach, gathering with friends and family, her dogs and cats, her kids, her family, her friends, and swimming in cold rivers and clean creeks.

Jessica is preceded by her beloved Aunt Jennifer Walsh, her Grandfather Sam Graham, and her Grandparents Joan and John Walsh.

She is survived by her children Daniel and Aerista Repasky, grandmother Dean Graham, parents David and Dale Graham, siblings Samantha and Jason Graham and many Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Also, by her true love, Jim O'Neal, who showed her that love is kind, patient, fun and enduring.

Jim compiled a list of things Jessica loved. Jessica loved everyone and everything, so he narrowed it down for us:

"Jessica loved rivers.

She loved lakes and oceans as well. Rivers and creeks were her favorite.

She loved music, all kinds.

She loved to cook a great meal and see someone enjoy it.

She loved driving too fast on curvy roads.

She loved sunsets, sunrises and rainbows.

She loved getting gifts and even more to give gifts.

She loved to dance.

She loved art, Japanese especially.

She loved mowing the grass.

She loved caring for her flowers and spices.

She loved everyone she knew and never gave up on anyone.

She loved her children like a mother bear.

She loved her parents intensely with devotion.

And she loved me."

Jessica was love, and those who loved her are suffering a terrible deep and shocking loss. Her family prays that you can all remember Jessica for who she was, and never forget that love is truly, all there is.

From her grieving Daddy

The Big Dipper is right up there,

Hundreds of fireflies fill the night air.

The moon is but half,

But shines like it's whole.

How can I live with this hole in my soul?

How can that shining star go out?

Not with a nova, not with a shout,

Just a last breath,

A beautiful dream,

Curled up with your love.

In bliss forever,

I love you Jess.

Since her loss is such a terrible shock to all who loved her, we suggest 10 ways to honor Jessica's memory:

1. Love on your family.

2. Help a stranger.

3. Get outside and enjoy a sunrise, an interesting bird, a beautiful tree, a clean river.

4. Protect your health.

5. Let go of a regret.

6. Forgive an offense.

7. Believe that you can make the rest of today terrific from this point forward.

8. Participate in a waterway clean up effort or make a donation to the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association or Harpeth Conservancy.

9. Help send a child to NASA camp by making a donation to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Education Foundation.

According to her wishes, Jessica will be cremated. Due of course to the pandemic, at a later date we will plan an outdoor gathering where will say our final goodbyes to our Jessica, and we will put an announcement out for all who would like to attend (of course with masks and social distancing). We also hope to encourage a tree planting along a local river bank, as well as a clean up of our local waterway(s) in her name.