Jessica Wheaton

WHEATON, Jessica Lee, beloved mother, daughter, sister and friend (age 36) passed away suddenly after a long battle against heart failure on Friday, April 17, 2020, in Tampa, FL. She was born in Vancouver, WA and grew up in Green, OH. She had three beautiful children Christian, Phoenix, and NovaLee. Dedicated and loyal friend, talented artist, fearless mother, Jessica marched to the beat of her own drum as if to savor every moment of her beautiful short life. She was happiest when she was drawing and painting and when she was around her children. She was patient… oh so patient, with everyone around her. If you were lucky enough to be in her tribe, she was the most loyal, supportive friend you’ve ever had.

Jessica was full of life and adventure. She had a hard time saying no to children and had an incredibly special bond and way with every child fortunate enough to have crossed her path. She had a sense of humor and raw honesty that people loved and admired about her. Even the most troubled souls would feel loved, peace, and joy around her.

More than anything, Jessica adored and lived for her children. Through their struggles together, she taught them to always be loving, accepting, and kind, regardless of the circumstance, which they radiate to this day.

She now rests easy without pain in her Heavenly Father’s arms as we remember her life with a smile. Jessica is survived by her loving children Christian, Phoenix, and NovaLee. Her mother Cherie (Dave) Scheetz, father Rick (Brandi) Dukes, sister Anna (Kurt) Parker, brother Brandon (Danae) Austenfeld, brother Michael Dukes, and sister Erin Emerson. Nieces Audrina, Triton, and Kendall, and many other family and close friends. Preceded in death by her father Rick Austenfeld. A very private, Celebration of Life Memorial will be held Wednesday, April 22, at 4:00 pm at Cypress Meadows Community Church. Virtual arrangements are being made for those wishing to attend, but are unable to because of Covid. A larger family Celebration of Life party will be held in Ohio at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Jessica to benefit her young children may be directed to a trust account being established in their name or a charity of your choice.

"Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the trouble makers, the round pegs in the square holes... The ones who see things differently - they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do." - Steve Jobs