Jessica Dawn Thompson, age 29 of Mesa, Arizona, returned to her heavenly home on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, after more than a decade long battle with depression. Despite only living 29 years, she influenced so many and touched all she met.
Jessi was born in Mesa, AZ on February 26, 1994, to Jerry and Lisa Thompson. She was the second daughter in the family and was so welcomed and loved when she arrived on that cold February day. Her big sister Josie was elated to finally have a little sister to play with. At a very early age, Jessi made us all laugh at her quirky personality, her original one-liners, and the games she would invent to play with her sisters. She absolutely adored her Hale cousins and looked forward to Sunday nights at Grandma Hale’s house each week so she could play with them, have homemade ice cream, and eat one of her favorite treats, Aunt Sheri’s chocolate chip brownies.
Jessi had a happy childhood. She spent the early part of her life enjoying activities with her family such as attending sporting events, participating in many church activities and service projects, taking art classes, swimming lessons, piano lessons, going on family vacations to Reno and Idaho to visit cousins, camping with her Thompson cousins in the Pinal mountains, and playing with all her neighborhood friends. Early on she developed a sharp sense of humor and a clever dry wit that will be greatly missed. As she got older, the friends she made in high school and in her young adult years became an integral part of her life.
As her mother, I always admired Jessi for being who she truly wanted to be, regardless of what anyone thought. Jessi was fun-loving. She had her own unique sense of style. She loved music, art, photography, learning the saxophone, Pink Floyd, experimenting with hair styles and color (blue hair was her favorite), longboarding and spending time with her family. Her pride and joy in life, however, were her two snakes, Penny and Ghost.
Jessi attended Irving and Johnson Elementary Schools and Taylor Jr. High then graduated from Mesa High in 2012. Jessi had a drive to accomplish what was important to her. After graduation she moved to Provo, UT for a semester then moved back to Mesa and attended MCC. She worked hard and was so proud to earn her associate degree. School never came easy for her, so we were ecstatic and so very proud of her when she graduated from MCC. She fought long and hard to get there and it was a lifelong accomplishment. She also had a goal to have a nice car, so she saved her money diligently for a couple of years and paid cash for her 2015 black Camaro convertible. She was proud of the fact that she paid for the car herself and she had every right to be.
Although we are all filled with an indescribable sorrow and will miss her deeply, we take comfort in knowing that she is now in heaven with so many loved ones who have preceded her in death. Throughout her life, Jessi’s light and influence were far-reaching, and she will be greatly missed by many. Jessi leaves behind a legacy of love for her family, kindness to others, and a fierce devotion to her friends. Nothing can describe our love for her. Our hearts are hurting now, but we will wait patiently until we meet again and can throw our arms around her in a huge embrace. She left us instructions to put something very unique on her headstone which we will happily comply with: “Shine On you Crazy Diamond!” If you’re a real music lover, you will know where that came from!
Jessi is survived by her family who loved her beyond comprehension. She left behind her parents, Jerry O. Thompson, Lisa (Hale) Thompson, two brothers and three sisters, James, Reagan, Josie, Jacque (Brown), and Jordan. Her Celebration of Life will be held this Thursday night, September 28, 2023, at the Latter-Day Saint Stake Center at 4640 E. Holmes Mesa, AZ from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. The funeral will be the following morning, September 29, at 11:00 am at the same location. Flowers can be sent to Bunker’s Garden Chapel (33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201).
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
I wish I could remember what movie I heard this line, but it has always struck my heart with its’ truth. “A child is never supposed to die before its’ parents.” Despite the surety of life after death and our knowledge of eternal families, that does not lessen the sorrow that their absence brings. I pray the Heavenly Father will assuage the weight your hearts and leave you only the pleasant memories you described. We share your feeling of lose too.
What a beautiful tribute to Jessi. She sounds like an amazing young woman who comes from an amazing family. Our hearts go out to you all. Love, Mark and Sherri Allen
I loved reading this and remembering her spunky personality and the tenacity she showed in overcoming obstacles and accomplishing her goals. Jessi was true to herself and the things that were important to her. She was also compassionate and desirous to help others and ease their suffering. She had so much love to give, just like her parents, and our hearts are breaking with yours. We’re praying for you to continue to feel the Lord’s comfort and sustaining power through His spirit. We love you all!
I am so sorry for your loss…..May the memories bring you smiles to ease the heart ache…..Good energy and prayers!!!!!
I am so very sorry for your loss. My son, Jeff, spent so many years of his life battling depression. I know how hard it is to watch the fight and not really be able to make it better for them. My love and concern is with you.
Laurie Gower
I am filled with sadness for your loss. Love you, Thompsons. ❤️
We are truly sorry for your loss. God has her in his living and protective arms now, so know that she is safe and looking down at you both with love and pride. God Bless you all. Diana and Pam
I am sooo sorry for your loss. What a beautiful soul and legacy she leaves behind. A parent should NEVER have to bury their child and my heart truly breaks for you sweet Lisa and your beautiful family ❤️ Its been 14 mos now without my angel Jarrod but I can say I am finding Joy in the Journey again though I miss him terribly, I know he is always with me and I’ll see him again as you’ll be reunited with sweet Jessi ?? Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and we’re here for you and anything y’all need. Much love ?❤️??
Jessi was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. She was a light to everyone who got the honor of meeting her. Jessi was adored by her friends and family and will be greatly missed. I will forever cherish our friendship and memories we shared. Jessi was beautiful, brilliant and kind, there is truly no one like her, may her legacy live on through her family and friends. As we share stories of how Jessi made us laugh until we cried. Shine on you crazy diamond, we love you Jess!
My heart was feeling the brokenness for you when you lose the life of a child. I wish I didn’t know what that felt like but I do. Lisa you wrote the most beautiful words to describe Jessie. I could see her in her happy state and that is how she will stay. There are no words of comfort except that I love you and your family dearly. Thank you for being honest about what she suffered, we can help others. May your heart and soul be comforted by the love around you.
Our family is so saddened by the passing of your daughter, Jessi. We have been friends for a long time and it is hard to see a friend hurting. I so admire your diligence in taking care of Jessi. And bless her for trying for so long. We are here for experiences and some of them are almost too hard to do. You are in my prayers and thoughts always. Love always, Mary
We were so sorry to hear about Jessi. It was wonderful to read about her childhood & her accomplishments. Our prayers are with the family, love the Ugents
I didn’t know Jessi well but I enjoyed being around her so much— she was FUNNY and cool and real. I was heartbroken to learn of her passing and can only imagine what you all must be feeling right now. Sending so much love your way ♥️♥️♥️
We will continue to pray for your family during this sad time. We certainly hope your hearts are filled with love and peace. Remember when you think she is near, her spirit probably is. What a blessing that families are meant to be together forever.
I’m so very sorry to hear about Jessi’s passing, knowing she’s in heaven is a comfort I know. Aunt Betty and the rest of our family are praying for all of you for the comfort that only God can give. We love you. Aunt Betty, Mary, KJ, Anita and Paul.
To the Thompson family,
Our love, prayers and thoughts go out to each one of you. It is so hard to lose a close family member, but, it was time for Jessie to go back to Heavenly Father to do her work on the other side of the veil. Missing Jessie, will get easier each day coming and you will know that she is always looking down upon her family here on earth. One day, you will be able to embrace her again. Oh Happy Days. I am sure she is riding around Heaven visiting her other family members that have gone home before her in her Black Chariot with the top down. Until you meet again, May the spirit hold each of you close and remember the wonderful thoughts of Jessie.
With all of our Love, The Smith Family, Roger aka Brother Bear, Sister Jill, & Brother Austin
I moved back to the U.S. in 2018 with a heavy heart and no connections to the valley of Arizona. Jessi was the immediate remedy. She helped me through my own struggles and made a lifelong friend. No one shined as a crazier and brighter diamond than her. She and I traded jobs, jokes, stories, and feelings like someone who was always meant to be a friend to all. To the Thompsons, your daughter was in every way a reflection of the love in your household and an extraordinarily fierce friend.
We love you Jessi.