Jessica Ann Bonney Reveley's memory board

Joanna Abruscato I believe this was 5th grade when we were in Middle School and had Mrs. Williman for a teacher. It would have been some type of award ceremony or honor society gathering. Jessica was always one of the smartest kids in our grade, and I was fortunate to be friends with her. I will never forget walking with her in the hall and going to our lockers around the same time. She had a B last name and I had an A last name and our lockers were next to one another I believe. She had recently found out her mom was pregnant with her little brother. <3 She was a kind soul, and I'm so fortunate to have known her. Her legacy lives on through those whom she shared her life. <3

Megan Scauri Jess was a great cheerleader for her friends. She taped this to my locker when she found out I got into Penn. I found it mixed in with some senior prom photos. ❤️

Svetlana Makhni I think these pictures are from Jess' junior and senior year of high school. I calibrate everything by a key milestone: UMD LD debate camp summer of her junior year. We were roommates and had an absolute ball... your mom was a nerd... I wish I could share specific memories but it has now been over 20 years so my memory fails me. But I remember how she made me feel - safe, warm and supported. Jess was a role model that demonstrated what was possible and took us along with her on the ride - all with kindness, generocity and humor. I remember at some point going to Jess' house for the first time and meeting her parents (your grandparents) and thinking that the warmth and kindness must be genetic... so you boys already have a head start in life. Im so sorry for your loss.

nparyani@gmail.com Paryani This is one of the earliest photos I have of you two - Dec 17,2005, when the Princeton Triangle Club came to visit us when we all lived in D.C. I never would have thought that a few short years later you two were going to be married and build such a beautiful family, I am heartbroken at your loss and that Jess's life was cut so tragically short. Please know the Paryani family is praying for you during this impossibly difficult time.

Laura Collins I don't have a picture of the first night I met Jess (this picture was taken later in law school) but she made a huge impression on me when we met. It was a few weeks into the start of law school, and we were all still pretty much strangers to each other. I was shy and had worked up the courage to go to a social gathering and was mostly sitting in the corner at a table, not saying much. I met Jess when she came and sat next to me, introduced herself, and started talking to me like we'd known each other forever. She sat in the chair next to me and put her feet up on the rung of my chair, with her body turned to face me, leaning toward me. Physical touch is my love language and that easy intimacy and comfort that Jess shared so naturally made me feel seen and connected to another person, which I really needed. And it was always like that with Jess - just being near her made you feel loved and cared for. She generously gave hugs, touches, and affection that graced everyone around her. She was so easy to love and she gave love so freely. You can see it in the picture - just the way she rests her hand and leans into the person she's with - she was a beacon of warmth and love.

Everett Reveley The Toad is forever grateful that The Boy found a girl as wonderful and special as The Jess Bonney.

Megan Scauri Jess and Nelson at my wedding (and Jess very newly pregnant with Eason!) ❤️

Everett Reveley Only a really cool mom and dedicated Princetonian would take her one month old first child to Princeton Reunions.

Everett Reveley PU Reunions 2014

Virginia Hudson This picture is from Nate's and my wedding day in 2014. It reminds me of the months leading up to it, when our Disciple bible study crew (Dawson, Susan, Carol, me + Nate, Nelson + Jess, and Everett) were reading scripture and having long conversations, hosted week after week by Nelson, Jess, and Eason. And this is how I will always remember Jess -- smiling, embracing her family with one arm and a friend with the other. Jess always had a kind and wise word to share. Our world needs a million more people like her. She will be very, very missed.

Everett Reveley

Jean Su Reunions 2015

Kristýna Šperlingová This picture is not the best, unfortunately I do not have many, but memories we all made together are the quality what matters. I was lucky enough to spend 2 amazing years with Reveley family and to meet Jess, Nelson and you, Eason. Asher, you were not born yet, but I'm glad I had a chance to meet you last year. I was so happy to see you all happy! Jess, so proud of you two, Eason and Asher, as only mother Leo can be. She loved you so very much! And that's how I will always remember your mommy. Happy, smart, calm, caring and loving. Beautiful inside out. I wish we had more memories, more time to make some new ones. Especially for you, Eason and Asher. Hopefully, you keep as many as you can possibly have forever and the closest to your heart. And on days you miss her the most, look up to the stars or just look in the mirror... you will see her! She will be always with you, no matter what. Since the day 1. ❤

Everett Reveley

Everett Reveley

Megan Scauri The OTHS contingent at my baby shower. Even though my shower wasn't a surprise, Jess's presence was, and I was so happy that she came ❤️

Brian Baird Because Frozen II . . . this was Halloween 2016 at my house. The theme was 'have a very Frozen Halloween,' with Eason as Olaf

Katie McCullough This photo is from an overnight stay at Camp Hanover for the Living Nativity walk. As seen in all of the photos posted on this site, including this one, Jess was a happy, smiling wife, mother and friend. Recently our paths crossed during the workday in downtown Richmond. Jess stood and talked to me as if she had all the time in the world. She genuinely cared about others especially her family. She will be missed greatly.

Jim McCullough Jess was pleasantly, persistant in her seeking of others to journey with her in doing good works. And she was game to let others bring their talents to the fold. Possibly only Jess would have allowed me to bring an "Adventure Playground" into a Christmas Store. But she was all in. In this video, you can see her (briefly) teaching a kid how to wield a baton (or sword, it's hard to say). You can hear her voice after her cameo. But her touch is all over the video as she was playing with the kids the whole time. And Santa makes an appearance much to Eason's delight.

Jim McCullough Jess possessed an erudite mind and a playful spirit. We both butted heads and shared enthusiasms. And we enjoyed a wee dram. Cheers my friend.

Everett Reveley

Christine Anderson Eason and Asher, I am so thankful to have called your mom Jess my friend and to be blessed with her friendship in my life. Your mom was intelligent, witty, creative, generous, compassionate, patient, and strong in her convictions. She had an amazing ability to recognize the talents in others, and encourage them to join with her in helping others and seeking justice to provide equity of opportunity, experience, improvement, hope, and joy for all. She was such a good listener. She was my confident. It has always been hard for me to express my feelings openly, and somehow, I always did in full, and sometimes with tears, but always and comfortably with Jess. I think her humanity and her imperfections were just as important as her talents and allowed others such as myself to open up to her, commiserate with her, and laugh with her! She LOVED you both so fiercely and tried to instill that same sense of hard work, generosity, and compassion in you. She was the most accepting person and was delighted in everything that you did, and would be supportive of whoever you became as you grew up and whatever you decided to do with your life. I will miss her greatly. This photo is from one of your family's New Year's Eve parties where we had so much fun and is such a happy memory that I will always cherish!

Everett Reveley

Everett Reveley Jess supporting Nelson throughout the arduous PhD journey... picture taken after Nelson’s successful dissertation defense.

Everett Reveley

Deborah Pritchett Jess was so willing to be involved with her children and to involve her children in her faith and activities. I remember Jess' ability to be vulnerable with others in a way that opened connections between them and made others feel comfortable. Eason and Asher - Your Mom IS amazing and will always be a wonderful part of your lives.

Vitoria France These pictures are from New Years Eve 2017. I was lucky enough to spend such good times with the Reveley family. I have very good memories of when Nathan and I used to take May and Quint to church dinner every Wednesday at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. Jess was still pregnant with Asher when we started going there, and even after he was born Jess and Nelson were always there with the boys. Nathan and I still talk about how nice it was to see them once a week. I also got to spend 2 weeks at the beach with the Reveley family in 2018. I remember Jess and Nelson would take a walk on the beach every evening, with Asher in the stroller and sometimes just the two of them. I also remember Jessica reading a lot. She even let me read one of the books she had with her that summer (your mom was really really nice boys!). Eason and Asher, I want you two to grow up knowing you had an amazing person as a mom. She was nice to everybody around her and she loved you two so very much!

Everett Reveley

Everett Reveley

Preetma Singh Beautiful Family

Preetma Singh Jess being the coolest mom out there ♥️

Everett Reveley

Everett Reveley The smile from the northeast corner of the Reveley family dinner table... even when the attempts at humor from the southwest corner left a little to be desired.

Michelle Hulme-Lippert Not the best quality photo, but here is Jess in her element at the Christmas pageant in 2018. Her love for GC's children was so incredible and inspirational.

Everett Reveley And “mom-out” she did...

Everett Reveley

Everett Reveley

Michele Crowley This is Jess and Asher at the Child Development Center Fall Festival. I had the opportunity to work closely with Jess as she as a very active CDC board member. As with most things Jess did, she was extremely dedicated to the improvement of the CDC and tirelessly volunteered her time and energy to helping. I love this photo because she was always so sweet with her boys and this shows that tender-loving mom with her son. I am grateful to have gotten to know Jess and wish, like all of you do, that I had gotten more time to spend with her.

Kate Bonney Resch

Kate Bonney Resch

Kate Bonney Resch

Kate Bonney Resch

Kate Bonney Resch

Everett Reveley Jess had the wonderful quality of always being even more excited about the joys in my life than I was. That was never more true than with the recent arrival of George. His aunt loved him more in eleven days than some folks get loved in a lifetime. George has been robbed of the opportunity to know his Aunt Jess -- and to give her the family nickname she had tasked him to come up with -- but he will always know how much she loved him and how special she was.

Jason Ramirez

Jason Ramirez

Marlo Reveley We all shared a lot of firsts together at the beach - Jess taught the kids to find the squares and borders, how to play chess and hearts, to grip a golf club, etc. In the evenings, she would work her puzzles sometimes with help from the peanut gallery. And every night, she would meticulously move the work-in-progress to a safe place using her black felt. This year, the beach puzzle was a 3-D Harry Potter one -- Aunt Jess was a premier expert on Harry Potter who seeded much excitement for the wizarding world for kids and adults alike. She always finished the puzzles in time to pack up and head out. I will always remember the smile of satisfaction she got when she “found a match” and her beautiful fingernails rotating each piece as she contemplated her next move. And her way coaching the kids on the puzzles was so gentle. It is hard sometimes to not want to just do something for a child but lead them through the steps. Jess had a way of doing it that was very smooth and kind. She would gently nudge here and there, back up, pause and watch.

Nelson Reveley

Jason Ramirez

Jason Ramirez

Jason Ramirez

Jason Ramirez

Jason Ramirez

Jason Ramirez

Jason Ramirez

Jason Ramirez

Nelson Reveley

Marlo Reveley Our beach trips were the stuff of make-believe. Aunt Jess made it work so she could come for the whole time while fulfilling her obligations. The late afternoons and weekends were cherished times. That is when we would all gather on the beach or under the big tent to play and relax together. The addition of a big tent helped lure Irish-complexioned Jess on to the beach for longer stretches. I close my eyes and can see Nels and Jess pushing Eason and then Asher on long walks using the big orange and black B.O.B. On our joint walks, we looked like a B.O.B. advertisement. I can still hear Jess's chuckle like when this picture was taken when her precocious niece photobombed their family picture. Maybe she was just holding Asher's place.

Jason Ramirez

Jason Ramirez

Marlo Reveley The children in Jess's life were awash in affection and adventure. When we were not racing down the beach chasing minnows with nets, calling close bocce games, she was reading to the kids, holding hands, talking about big things. She was a tender mother and aunt. This picture by far and away is my favorite because it captures profound joy in being a mom.

Helen Lanier Reveley I love this photo because Eason took it. He had been practicing taking pictures with my phone last Christmas and he snapped this beautiful candid of his mom. How awesome that this is her through Eason’s eyes. We love you and miss you beyond words, Jess. We promise to take good care of your boys- all three of them;)

Nelson Reveley

Marlo Reveley This was a perfect moment in time. Helen and Jay has been married the day before, and all the siblings, spouses and their parents gathered for a joyful meal to celebrate each other and the fact we all had found our soul mates. This picture is of the 4 ladies. We will forever miss our Jess.

Carrie Rose Pace Jess I miss you already. Your wise and witty words, your knowing smile and insightful advice. All the Harry Potter shared discussions. I love you Always.

Sara Fuentes Wedding and our tenth reunion

Kate Bonney Resch

Danielle Ivory I met my beautiful, sweet friend, Jess, freshman year of college. She was running an audition for a musical. I was very nervous and actually thinking of bolting, but she was so encouraging and supportive that I stayed and tried out. We became instant best friends. When I think about who Jess was, I think about that audition. Jess took care of everyone around her. And almost 20 years after that chance meeting, she was still taking care of me from afar -- checking in frequently after the birth of my baby and offering invaluable support and advice. She was one of the best people. Ever. Period.

Ps Dzisi Dearly missed

Sara Fuentes 10th and a 2018 visit to DC

Jason Ramirez

Megan Scauri At Jess and Nelson's beautiful wedding

Sara Fuentes DC and reunions

Danielle Ivory Here is Jess, gorgeous as always and pregnant with Asher, the morning of my wedding.

Marc Boswell Jess, I love you and you'll be missed beyond what words can describe. This was one of many joyous days you and Nelson shared together, and it was an honor to be there to share in it. The love and beauty and light that you brought to Nelson and into your growing family was incredible and will not be diminished. I'm devastated at your loss, but so much better off for the life you lived.

Carrie Rose Pace My favorite picture of us

Helen Lanier Reveley

Alex Desbiens

Marlo Reveley Singing songs with her boys whether Wheels in the Bus or show tunes or hymns ... Jess embraced this aspect of motherhood with her usual vigor and focus. Soon after Eason was born she asked for singing lessons. I will miss standing in church hearing her sing. I will miss the types of moments captured here. I will just miss HER.

Preetma Singh Maybe not the best camera, but the love and happiness still comes through loud and clear. So happy to have born witness to such a joyful wedding celebration.

Marlo Reveley Jess was game for fun! She was only on the sidelines if she was having a tender moment or meaningful conversation. Earlier this month, the Reveley crew marched out for a “leaf war” in the median strip of Monument. She paused to talk with Eason about his baby cousin, and then turned to the leaf mayhem. She was a fierce competitor who know when to go for it and when to pull back, but she was always playing the proverbial chess pieces in her head. Her mind was always packing and unpacking interesting topics. 🍁🍁🍂🍂

Helen Lanier Reveley It’s hard to know where to begin expressing how much Jess taught me, how much she loved me and how much she supported me without hesitation. It was and is an honor to have my life so deeply intertwined with hers. I love you to the moon and back, Jess.

Marlo Reveley Jess and Nels always carved out time for walks on the beach with each other and the boys. They would usually turn left toward the jetty and thinner crowds. It was fun for our littles to watch them disappear into the horizon and re-emerge. You could see their smiles from far away as they inched closer. Just like theses little good byes, I know this one is not forever. We will be together again playing games, recounting our adventures and enjoying each other.

Mary Waters Love this picture showing Jess, Kate & Eason pulling off the Frozen theme at Grace Covenant’s CDC Halloween party back in 2016. Jess has so much fun that day with all the kids, especially her little Olaf. Such a special human being who knew how to “let it go” and enjoy every moment!

Marlo Reveley We were too busy living life to take many videos of it. But this one shows what any given Sunday was like. We often were rolling around with the kids in the entry hall floor. Jess was a playful soul and loved getting in the ground and being part of the kid action. She was a hands on, cool mom that allowed the boys to explore and be part of the world with gentle guard rails and boundaries. The three 6/7 year olds never mastered inside voices but she rolled with it and just flashed that knowing sly smile. My gratitude toward her treating my kids as if they were her own knows no bounds. She is so deeply loved.

Helen Lanier Reveley I love this photo of Jess, Nelson and the boys from our rehearsal dinner this past June. Words cannot express how much I already miss you, Jess.

Carson Overstreet Glossop

Danielle Ivory This is from graduation day at Princeton. Almost every night senior year, our friend Patrick would come by our dorm room, where we were usually working on on our Senior Theses. Sometimes, we would turn on Proud Mary or Rock Lobster and just dance.

Danielle Ivory I think this photo is from graduation weekend our senior year at Princeton.

Danielle Ivory Thanks to Jenny Marlowe for finding this photo — probably the first one Jess and I took together as freshmen in college.

Adrienne Sakyi Fine I met Jess the very first week of law school at William and Mary. We formed a group of friends that we called “FRED” that helped each other get through such a tough time in life with each of us bringing different strengths to the group. Jess brought a calmness about all the law school madness that was admirable and a silliness that made for many fun memories. We all bonded over weekly dinners and late night chats. It was so lovely to see Jess and Nelson’s get married and get to meet her boys. I have a vision of Jess with a bright pink boa we made her wear during her bachelorette party. I remember getting to spend time with Jess and Eason as a toddler on a gorgeous spring afternoon during Easter on parade on Monument Avenue one year. I remember catching up with Jess over tacos when she was pregnant with Asher and glowing with happiness. Jess will be missed and I send my love and thoughts to her family. Love, Adrienne Sakyi Fine

Marlo Reveley The beach was a place where the kids grew up just a little faster and the adults could be kids for a while. We often had water battles with water wands and water balloons (biodegradable). Jess was a fierce competitor. If she got her sites on you, she was going to get you. She had the occasional toss at the kids. But, fortunately for the rest of us, she usually focused on her beloved Nelson. There was no mercy and no let-up in the laughs.

Adrienne Sakyi Fine

Marlo Reveley Williamsburg was a special place for Jess. Some of her most joyful life milestones were celebrated there not to mention the many W&M family weekends. Our visits were full of discovery and teachable moments even just taking a walk down the Duke of Gloucester. On this particular day, the children had their first encounter with oxen. You better believe there were impromptu, articulate lessons on history and ethics. And the stockades -- they always made Jess laugh. There are more pictures of her and various members of the family smiling ear to ear and laughing in those things.

Danielle Ivory This is a photo of Jess (and Asher) at my wedding.

Marlo Reveley Kisses on the cheek, bear hugs and affection were aplenty. Halloween was always a favorite for Jessica. A time to be playful and silly and a time to be together.

Dana McKnight What a power for good Jess was. She was involved in so many projects and tasks, but was always full of fun and good humor. This photo was taken on Nov. 3, and I used part of it for my Facebook profile photo. Jess commented that she "recognized those windows (!) and that I had cropped out a number of stellar folks from the photo!" She then added "but you do look dashing." A week or so later she very astutely corrected an email of mine about the church's upcoming election of officers, but then added "Sorry. I apparently suffer from post-traumatic-nominating-committee Tourette's. Everything relating to nominating is so intensely scrutinized!" Her love for her family was on display at all times, as was her wit, charm, humor, and her strong faith. Even in this terrible time I can't think of her without smiling amid all the tears. Dear Jess, we will never forget you.

Marlo Reveley Joyful!

Everett Reveley Jess loved to celebrate with her boys.

Lewis Rosebro Jess - the leader, the friend, the diplomat, the voice of reason, the fiercely loyal friend, the loving mother, the adoring wife... Just look at the way Nelson looks at her while dancing at Margaret's wedding. We will always remember how much they loved and supported each other. With love and affection, Lewis and Rob Rosebro

Helen Lanier Reveley This is one of my all-time favorite photos of Jess. She looks beautiful and Asher is fast asleep in her arms as one of the “lambs” in our Christmas pageant last year. I especially love the smile on her face because I imagine this is how she looks at us from heaven- it’s a look of so much adoration, peace and protection of the ones she loves. Just as she is in this photo- she will always be a shepherd to me- guiding me gently in the right direction with a deep sense of calm and understanding. You are missed beyond comprehension, Jess. I love you.

Laura Collins "FRED" - Friday's Rotating Excellent Dinner - is the nickname for our group of women who met at the beginning of law school and stayed close throughout. We got together every Friday night at a different person's home and ate dinner together. Sometimes we stayed and just talked for hours, sometimes it was a precursor to going out to dance, sing karaoke, or meet up with friends. Jess was with FRED from the start, bringing fun and hugs and never afraid to be silly with us.

Marlo Reveley Jess threw herself into the holidays. In a flash, she would get a twinkle in her eye and unleash her playful spirit. One of the most relished treats was listening to P-Paw read the Grinch who Stole Christmas to the W&M students. We enjoyed many a meal, laugh and memories together.

Marlo Reveley Experiences -- Jess prioritized experiences over things. Even mundane things became an experience. Here she and Eason are helping prepare a birthday cake for P-Paw.

Marlo Reveley Kid birthdays with Jess were a joyful celebration of life and what it means to be a kid. By the end of it, everyone was into whatever theme was presented. Whether it was Legos or Monster Mash at GCC, art and feeding animals at Maymont, or Harry Potter at Cartwheels and Coffee, there was always beloved "birthday buddy" for the boys and lots of joy for everyone. And the boys so love having both sides of the family present. Jess is really great about bringing people together -- even in her passing.

Marlo Reveley A fierce competitor with moves!

Marlo Reveley Snow was a great excuse for family time. Our family would collect at the grandparents' house and build snowmen, engage in lively snowball fights, shovel, play tag, etc.

Marlo Reveley Jess was always ready with a hug for the littles in her life.

Bobby Hulme-Lippert In the summer of 2018, during a group activity, Jess shared with the fellow officers of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church that "What if God was one of Us" by Joan Osborne was one of the songs that was most emblematic of her teenage years. She really liked the song, and something about the way it invited the listener to think about God in-the-flesh among the unlikely and broken people intrigued her. As I look back at the years I served alongside Jess at Grace Covenant, I think that in many ways her life embodied the answer to the question posed by that song. God-through-Jess was spirited, kind, joyful, intelligent, strong, courageous, and compassionate. When you talked with Jess, she made you feel like you were the only person in the room. When you watched Jess, you saw a person with involving herself in caring for others in all kinds of quiet, on-going capacities, particularly with regard to mission endeavors of the church and board leadership with the CDC. Jess also had a natural ease with prayer, and I can still see how graciously she led other elders of the church in prayer during meetings where we spent time praying for the congregation and the city. If you wanted to know the fastest way to Jess's heart, let her know about her children. She adored Eason and Asher, and I can remember numerous times commenting on something I observed about one one them (Eason's gentle spirit and compassion, Asher's adorable smile and independent spirit as he walked confidently around the room) and how she her face would light up with the kind of smile that could not hide her heart melting with adoration for each of them. Same, she beamed with pride whenever I mentioned something that I appreciated about Nelson and his work - his teaching, his advocacy, his humble leadership. Finally, Jess was such a source of encouragement to me. She went out of her way to remark on the ways she saw God at work through me, and I treasure those words and that love. She is dearly missed, but I do give thanks that her life so vividly answered the question that first intrigued her so much during her teenage years. (photo taken at a GCPC session dinner in May of 2019)

Marlo Reveley When the Spring lambs were born, we city mice took the kids to see our country cousins and their animals. There were so many things to discover and smile about. I think Jess has as much fun as the kids did.

Marlo Reveley After the Christmas holidays near or far, the Reveley crew flocked back to RVA for the annual NYE party. The best part was at the end when we all kicked off our shoes and compared notes, reflected on what was behind us and dreamed about was ahead of us. We all would sleep over to have black eyed peas together. We also shared the hope that the kids would mercifully sleep late.

Marlo Reveley

Marlo Reveley Jess was a great teacher. She was very patient and deliberate in teaching her niece/your cousin, May, how to care for and engage with Asher. One running joke was sometimes May would talk at Asher like he was a puppy. Helping May hear it, understand why it was off putting and edit her tone was an on-going effort that finally was corrected just in time for George’s arrival.

Marlo Reveley Jess was very clever to pull together family Halloween costumes. This particular year (Asher’s first year) they were Max and his crew of wild things. After our various exploits(work, Farmville, other events), we would all collect at dear friends’ house on Hanover to handout candy. Eventually, we would pull ourselves away but not before getting a family picture.

Marlo Reveley Jess was our resident Harry Potter expert. For Asher’s 1st bday she found felt ties (reusable and eco-friendly), sorting hat, props and food labels that all cleverly made the books and characters come alive for their guests. There were many discussions among the kids about which house they would be part of and multiple apps found to figure it out. She also gave the best gifts around the wizarding world - Fantastic Beasts Newt’s briefcase and wands. Her expertise in this topic was cherished and will be hard to match.

Marlo Reveley We took the bus to the Diamond to watch a Squirrels game. We had so much fun even in the nose bleeds seats. It was such a fun series of firsts for us shared with aunts and uncles.

Marlo Reveley The beach again ...

Carson Overstreet Glossop Today at Grace Covenant Pres. the church came together to see the Christmas Pageant that Jess has written. Needless to say to those who were there, it was fantastic! Jess had written the script with every child at our church in mind. A few days before she died, she and Nelson had been making last minute edits before sending out the final script; it was a labor of love. Jess’ wit and intellect shone through, and it was clear that she was highly capable of writing more than legal documents! My father’s compliment to her was that he hadn’t read heroic couplets like that since Alexander Pope. Quite an achievement for a busy mother who worked full time. It was merely another example of Jess’ dedication to our church and its children. There is a story from today which I would like to share. I was standing with Eason and the other wisemen before the pageant started while Christine Anderson, who was directing the pageant, was making some opening remarks. She ended by saying, “The script was written by Jessica Reveley.” Eason’s back was to me, but I had been watching him carefully. He suddenly asked in awe, “my mom wrote this?” I told him yes and will never forget the look on his face. Clearly trying to take it all in--his eyes twinkling and mouth slightly open in a slight smile--he said: “that is so cool.” (Eason is in the maroon costume in the photo.)

Marlo Reveley Lessons in Carols was pure joy for Jess. This particular year, the kids piled in her lap to take in the magnificent and resounding sounds of the choir, handbells, organ and much more. Once the kids started in the choir, we found ourselves propped in the front row hoping to grab a perfect snap of our three singing Reveleys.

Marlo Reveley On the overlapping Christmases, there were many pile ons throughout the day. Jess was not a morning person but always put on a happy, joyful face when asked to rise Christmas morning when she could otherwise find relief from her weekly schedule. Once all up and bushy-tailed, we would all line up either youngest to oldest or oldest to youngest and file down the stairs to find what goodies and treats awaited. Jess was such a good Christmas gift giver. She could find and suss out just what everyone wanted. She also gave each household a matching Christmas ornament with favorite pictures from throughout the year. My favorite was from P-Paw's reunion with the three littles in orange and white.

Marlo Reveley Jess was one of the ring leaders in the family getting us to go see and do culturally interesting things. This year it was the Richmond Symphony's performance of Disney classics. The kids dressed up as their favorite characters -- Lion King for Eason, Luke Skywalker for Q and Elsa for M. One of the things I remember that Jess loved was Eason getting to go to the "instrument petting zoo" to put his hands on the instruments and try them out. Jess created so many outlets for Eason to explore and nurture his natural talents. I know she laid a foundation that will do great things.

Andrew Bond We got to know Jess mostly through family events such as birthdays, weddings, Thanksgiving, and beach trips. Every time we saw her she had a smile on her face and was happy to sit down and chat about life. We would exchange many stories about kids, and she was always happy to share the latest funny stories about her boys (Nelson included). We are missing those sit down chats already. Love you Jess.

Andrew Bond The picture isn’t quite in focus but that doesn’t matter because I love it. What an awesome couple enjoying a moment of whimsy during their special day. When I look at this picture I see Jess on one of the happiest days of her life telling us everything is good. Now that she has passed on from this earth, I see her continuing to tell us that everything is good. John 11:25-26

Michelle Hulme-Lippert Jess was an incredible mom, friend, teacher, and leader. I miss her so much. One of the memories I will always cherish was Jess's profound love for not only Eason and Asher (I'm certain it's not possible for any human to love anyone anymore than Jess loved her boys and Nelson), but also for our son Leo and each of the children in the church. When Jess learned that Bobby and I were in the adoption process, she prayed for us constantly and continually found ways to support us in our journey in trying to become parents. A last-minute adoption almost came through for us, and Jess had bags of baby clothes and gear ready for us within a day. When that fell through, Jess made herself so present to support us in our sadness. A few months later, Leo was born and we got to become his parents, and Jess's joy and love were overwhelming (in the best way possible). I am certain that Eason's excitement for "baby Leo" and his precious "Oh baby Leo / you break my heart in half" song were sparked by his mother's excitement and love. A month later, when we were able to return from California to Richmond, Jess had co-organized an incredible church baby shower to welcome baby Leo into his church family. There was a beautiful display of books as shown in the photo above, handmade cards from all of the children, thoughtful cards for church members to fill out, delicious food, and so, so much love. Almost four years later, at our last Sunday at Grace Covenant, Jess led the children's chapel and asked the children to pray for Leo for our family's next chapter in Texas. She cried as she shared with me how the children had prayed for our family and expressed gratitude for God's gift of friendship for one another. Jess's outpouring of love for the church's children had surely found its way into the children's hearts, and it comforts me to know that they will continue to love one another and others with the amazing love they learned from Jess.

Ross Catrow #79

Marlo Reveley This was a special occasion - the gender reveals for who we now know as Asher. Jess selected a beautiful cake and brought it to Williamsburg for us to cut together. She was really thoughtful on ways to make sure my guys felt included while appropriately keeping the focus on the soon to be big brother.

Marlo Reveley This was taken at Everett and Anne Randolph's rehearsal dinner. It was such a joyful time; we all were over the moon about them. Speaking of which -- I love you to the moon and back was a phrase your mother used all the time. Space exploration was something she was very excited to share with you. It was something she loved sharing with her daddy too. She bought you many, many books about space and made sure the Air and Space Museum was always on the agenda.

Marlo Reveley A more relaxed moment at the pool. We would meet as a family at least a few times each summer to swim and eat by the pool.

Marlo Reveley No one ever wanted to miss the W&M Yule Log. The Reveley crew would camp out on the portico and witness P-Paw, dressed as Santa, read the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Jess would delight in watching Eason dance with the Jazz/brass band at the end. It was always a joyful time of family, festive headwear and the holidays.

Marlo Reveley Aunt Jess's spectacular gift-giving skills were on full display the year she gave the 3 kids backpack water guns. Here Jess and HLR are equipping M to do battle with the boys. Many years later we still play with these clever contraptions. There was a total sense of empowerment at this moment. Jess was a champion of women/girls while nurturing the men/boys in her life - trying to help everyone meet their full potential even if it is just in water combat.

Helen Lanier Reveley It's difficult knowing how to move forward without you, Jess. I love this picture of us- New Year's Eve was always a special time for our family and one of the times when Jess first met us after she and Nelson fell in love. Her loss has left us heartbroken. One of the things I miss most about Jess was how effortless she made everything seem. When Jess crosses my mind, the image I see is her bouncing Asher on her hip, while throwing her work bag (which always seemed massive lol) over her shoulder, answering "who's there?" to one of Eason's knock-knock jokes all while managing to carry on a cerebral conversation about politics, religion, social justice, you name it with whichever adult was nearby. Jess = superhero. We miss you to the moon and back.

Dennis Bakke I was friends with Nelson in college, but I got to know Jess starting in our "freshman year of life" in DC, and was fortunate to watch her and Nelson fall in love from the start. It was great to see Jess and Nelson quickly figuring out they were perfect for each other. Jess had a perfect ability to both meet Nelson at an intellectual level but also take care of him when, like the absent-minded professor he is, he needed it. We all had a lot of fun those first few years after college, with Jess and Nelson both throwing their share of events, from big parties to smaller dinner gatherings. Jess quickly became our organizer, making sure things happened, everyone knew they were happening, and when they happened everyone had fun. She threw epic parties, including one Bat Mitzvah-themed one that the cops broke up at 3 am, but also made sure we did more low-key fun things like take salsa lessons or do trivia at bars, and as I look back through all my emails from that time it's clear that she pretty much ran my social calendar for a couple years. We all grew up and had families in different cities, but those early years after college were formative years as we tried to figure out who we were, and Jess was a great friend. We didn't get to see each other as much as we were in different cities and both had families, but we still managed to party occasionally (now in a more mature adult fashion) when we got together, as the picture shows. And whenever Jess and Nelson were back in DC to visit she always managed to organize everyone to get together to do something fun, just like she always had done (except now with more kids' meals and less salsa dancing).