Obituary
Jessica Amnity Minerd-Massey died on April 22, 2023, in Edgewater, Florida at the age of 55.
Jessica is survived by her two children, Sky Massey of Raleigh, NC; Ethan Massey of Arcade, NY, her mother, Jean Minerd of NSB, Florida, as well as her siblings, Shawn Minerd of Kansas City, MO and Alicia (Eric) Zwieg (nee Minerd) of Raleigh, NC. She is preceded in death by her father, Jon Minerd.
Jessica was born on April 4, 1968, in Rochester, NY to Jon Joseph Minerd and Marion Jean Minerd (nee Stevens). Jessica graduated from Pioneer Central Highschool in 1986 and went on to earn her A.A.S. at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, graduating in 1989.
Jessica showed a passion for all things creative from a young age, this continued throughout her life. She was a talented artist in many art forms and worked as a glass artist for several years, even owning her own glass business, The Glass Lady. She created custom pieces including windows, doors, and mirrors.
Jessica loved animals and nature. Often bringing home strays, including cats, baby rabbits, and orphaned ground hogs, caring for them until they were healthy enough to be released. She loved spending time in nature and had an extensive knowledge of flora and fauna. She loved to learn new things and share that knowledge with others.
Jessica was a philanthropist, lending her strong voice and knowledge to support causes close to her heart. She was an ambassador for the American Pain & Disability Foundation and used her extensive knowledge and experience to highlight unjust guidelines published by the CDC and the DEA wrongfully targeting providers. She also supported and promoted awareness of MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women).
Jessica was a warrior, advocate, mother, sister, daughter, friend. Her love, smile, and wicked sense of humor will be greatly missed. This world has lost a committed humanitarian.
The family would like to request in leu of flowers a donation be made in Jessica’s memory to a charity named below or any charity of your choosing.
American Pain & Disability Foundation: https://americanpaindisabilityfoundation.org/
Final Exit Network: https://finalexitnetwork.org/
Native Hope MMIW: https://www.nativehope.org/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-mmiw
I miss you & all our talks.
I'll always cherish you and our friendship.
R.I.P. my dear friend.
Love,
Christina Nunn
I always marveled at her amazing artistic abilities. We went to a few art classes as older adults and I was reminded that we still didn’t share that artistic talent. We had fun doing the classes though and she was always kind when appraising my attempts. Those memories make me smile broadly…I can still hear her voice and see her kind, patient grin.
We did share a love and fascination of nature. I could always count on her to appreciate a picture of Robin hatchlings, Bluebirds swooping into their birdhouse, or a fat Woodchuck waddling across the field. I shared pictures last year of the Robins building their nest and the baby Robins. They are back this season and I am allowing them to build under my gazebo so I can be reminded of Jess every time I see them.
My last in-person memory with Jess was playing Heads-Up at her place in Florida. We laughed so hard and I will forever cherish that time. She was trying to give me all sorts of pointers on the game, like not needing to deep knee bend to clear the board. She finally just said “you be you” and I loved that she always accepted and embraced the differences in everyone.
I am missing and will continue to miss Jess from our fond memories as little kids to adulthood. I vividly remember the two of us finding a step stool to reach the cookie jar on the counter; like it was yesterday. It’s hard to believe we were ever that small and how time went by so quickly.
Rest in peace Jess.
You will forever go down as a hero and sister in pain. I'm so truly sorry that the medical system failed you and there was not a solution without the world losing your beautiful presence. You have inspired many to continue the fight and inspired many who would never had stood up to stand. Your words will be missed but your Spirit loves on! Fly free!
I think back on those days often. Jess was so fantastically creative with her T-Square Killer photo story and the giant spider painting on the dorm room wall. She was absolutely fearless with her art!
Jessica and I kept in touch over the years. We’d share stories of our lives, the kids, what we were working on artistically, etc. No matter what was going on in her life, Jessica was always a thoughtful friend who listened and cared. She was always a hopeful and positive friend in my life.
I’m so grateful I was able to spend a week with her in March 2021 while she was still able to get around a little bit. Even though she was in excruciating pain, Jessica pushed herself into a walk on the beach and a day at Cassadaga with me and her mom.
It was such a nice day and she was thrilled to get some new crystals!
I was always remember Jessica for her strength and courage. She fought a good fight and I know her “last stand” will be the pathway of change for so many suffering with chronic pain.
I will cherish my memories of Jessica and will miss her so much!
This picture was taken during my last visit with Jessica in March 2021. I know physically she wasn’t feeling up to a beach trip, but convinced her we could just go there and sit in the car. I’m so happy she decided to get out and walk on the beach one last time. I’m even more happy I captured this photo of her. We had a great day that day!