Jessica Nell Heard was born on March 22, 1978, in Monroe, Louisiana, and passed away tragically on February 6, 2025, in Houston, Texas, following a car accident. She was 46 years old.

Jessica graduated from West Monroe High School in 1996, where she was an active member of the Rebel Band, ROTC, and Rebel Choir. Her boundless energy and determination led her to a fulfilling career in the medical field as a surgical coordinator in The Woodlands, Texas, where she was respected and admired. She also found joy working as a Scentsy sales representative, touching many lives with her warmth and dedication.

Jessica was preceded in death by her father, John Wesley Heard; her paternal grandparents, Jesse Hilton Heard and Nell Sullivan Heard; and her maternal grandparents, Floye Eichler, George Whipple Temple, and Wanda Smith and Willie Smith. She was also preceded by her uncles, Raymond Jay Boggan, Jeff Boggan, and Joel Boggan; her niece, Cailin Marie Breland; and her nephew, Whitaker Temple Bowie.

She is survived by her loving mothers, Julie and Teresa BogganSmith of West Monroe; her daughter, Jenna Westmoreland Gebhardt (Jon Michael) of Oxford, Mississippi; her sister, Joy Heard Bowie (Marc) of West Monroe; and her grandson, Jon Marcus Gebhardt, the light of her life. Jessica also leaves behind her nieces, Juliana and Rosalie Breland; nephews, Elliott Roberts and Harlen Bowie; a host of aunts and uncles; her beloved “Magnificent Seven” boy cousins; and many wonderful friends and extended family members.

As the daughter of a kidney recipient, Jessica held a deep and personal commitment to the gift of organ donation. Honoring her wishes, she selflessly gave the gift of life to others, bringing hope and healing to families in need.

Her family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate ER and ICC staff at HCA Kingwood Hospital, to Eddie Worton, who came to Jessica’s aid at the scene, and to their Texas family—Katie and Danny Dickson (and their families), Tanya Massengill, Nancy Sparks, and Jamey and Crystal Boggan, whose love and support meant so much during their time of need.

Jessica’s kindness, fierce love for her family, and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of generosity, strength, and unconditional love.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Kilpatrick’s Serenity Gardens located at 8729 Cypress Street in West Monroe, Louisiana. Jessica’s cousin, Reverend Tina Osterhouse of Gig Harbor, Washington, will officiate.

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