This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Jessica Stock, 25, born on September 21, 1978 and passed away on July 6, 2004. We will remember her forever.
July 27, 2004
My little Jessica. The most beautiful little flower girl at your Uncle and Auntie's wedding. How you strolled down the aisle and caught everyone's eye and it never stopped. The precious times you and your mother spent with us on Guam while your dad was serving his country in harms way. The memories of how much you loved to go to the stores and the smiles that would warm anyone's day. My little Jessica. How I missed so many opportunities through the years while you were growing up but I have faith that you have great comfort with the Lord. Always you will be in my heart and always I will see my little flower girl. God speed and comfort to your mom and dad. It will only seem to be a flicker of time before we hug again. But how much I will miss you until then.
Love,
Your Uncle Val
July 16, 2004
A beautifu person inside and out - Jesse was one of the most caring, considerate and loving people I was fortunate enough to know. Although she was taken from us too soon, I will cherish the memories I have of her. She was a true friend and a joy to be around.
All my love, Jenn
July 16, 2004
I am going to miss you so much. We shared so many memories that will never leave my heart. There were so many laughs, talks, hopes and dreams, and a few tears on what our future will hold. I will never forget our times "GOOD TIMES" because we shared a common feeling "WHO GUITES A HAU!" I will always love you!!
This is not a "GOODBYE"
This is a "I WILL SEE YOU SOON AGAIN!"
I LOVE YOU!!!
Chami
July 13, 2004
Positive, soulful energy with the heart and beauty of an angel. She took your breath away when you saw and spoke to her. Her beauty on the outside did justice to the beauty which existed on the inside. There are very few in one's life who coud express love of life and other's with such sincerity as Jessica did. Blessed be to all of her family.
Nancy Hanson
July 13, 2004
Jessica was one of the cousins we were able to spend sometime with in our childhood, the memories that we have with our beautiful cousin will always be remembered and cherished. Not one memory contains any negative thought of our cousin. We will miss her and we love her, but she is with the angels now and we WILL see her again. WE LOVE YOU JESSICA! XOXO
Sarah & Rebecca Mikesell
July 13, 2004
I was lucky enough to have known Jessica since elementary school.Jessica will be remembered for her infectious smile. She had a positive attitude that could turn your worst day into one that didn't seem all too bad anymore. She was always first to run up and give you a hug and kiss when she saw you out. She didn't discriminate, she was a true friend. Jessica will live on in all of our hearts forever. It's unfortunate that she had to leave us all so soon, but we are lucky to have had so many memories to remember her by. We will remember you and cherish all the good times!!
Rebecca Blue
July 12, 2004
Jessie Marie,
it pains my heart to have lost a best friend this early in our lives, but I know you have gone home to be with God. Our friendship is a bond that can never be forgotten and my love for you always be, I have so many wonderful memories to treasure. I pray for your family, to make each day a little easier. You are always in my heart. I love and miss you so much.
Stephanie Welch
Michael Eng was the Editor of the East County Observer when he wrote this news article shortly after Jessica's funeral, July 2004.
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Russell Stock stood at the podium at Calvary Baptist Church last Saturday afternoon to speak at his daughter's funeral. In the santuary, hundreds of Jessica Marie Stock's friends filled seats and lined the back of the room. More than 30 family members - some from as far away as Washington, New York and Indiana - also were present.
Every one of you knew Jessica, Russell said to the crowd. And now, for the rest of our lives, we are united together. So, when you see us out and about, when you see us in the mall, come up and tell us you knew Jessica, and we'll have a nice chat.
The night before the funeral, Allen Perny, Jessica's cousin, stayed up until 3 a.m. finishing Jessica's tribute video, then hopped at 5 a.m. Florida bound plane.
Although everyone in attendance had a different relationship with Jessica, each knew of her bubbly personality, her smile and most of all her love.
"I've never seen Calvary that full," Russell Stock said. "It was a bright sunny Saturday, and all of those kids gave up the beach time to honor the life of my daughter. She touched so many lives."
Jessica's body was found at about 11:30 a.m., July 6, on the south side of State Road 64 just east of Interstate 75. She was 25. Her car was found parked at home. - less than one mile away.
Just three days earlier, Jessica was leaving her house to spend a few days with a friend. Halfway down the driveway, she turned around and looked at her mother.
I love you, Mom, she said before leaving.
Those were the last words Rose Stock heard from her daughter.
Investigators with both the Florida Highway Patrol and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office are trying to unravel the mystery behind Jessica's death. With an autopsy completed, the two agencies are working together to piece together a timeline regarding Jessica's whereabouts the days prior to her death.
But, while the circumstances of her death may remain unexplained, the impact Jessica had on those who knew her is obvious.
"I'll never forget Jessica's signature laugh," one friend wrote in Jessica's online condolence book.
"Words can not describe the heart she had," said Sherry Perny, Jessica's aunt. "She was kind, generous and never selfish. She was a rare find."
"It didn't matter who you were, she was going to love you," said Allen Perny, Jessica's cousin.
Jessica was born September 21, 1978, in Jacksonville and moved to the East County after Russell Stock retired from the U.S. Navy. Throughout her school career, Jessica attended Bashaw Elementary School, Braden River Middle School and Southeast High School, where she played softball and also participated in marching band.
Her senior year she was voted Homecoming Queen - an accomplishment her father will never forget.
When they announced her, I stood right up and said, "And I'm the dad," Russell Stock said.
Following high school, Jessica attended Manatee Community College and harbored dreams of breaking into the marketing business. She worked at several retail stores, including a shoe store and two jewelry stores.
As a child, Jessica always was outgoing and a Momma's girl," Russell Stock remembered.
"She would walk up to anyone," he said. "And she was beautiful. She'd go right up to someone and start having a conversation with them. She was like that all of her life."
"Her mother taught her how to love, and she put it to good use," Russell Stock said.
Sherry Perny, who coordinated all the necessities for Jessica's funeral, came to the church last Saturday with a teddy bear in her hand. The teddy bear was one she had given to Jessica on Oct. 22, 2003 - the night Jessica decided to recommit to her Christian faith after several years of personal and spiritual problems.
"That night, I was able to point her in a direction," Sherry Perny said. "There are times when only the Lord can help. She shared things with me that night; she showed me the real Jessica."
"My first intention was to put the teddy bear in the casket, but I couldn't do it," she said. "It's a representation of her and her life. I'm keeping it, and I'm taking it back to Indiana with me."
Charles Stock, Jessica's paternal grandfather, said he remembers her love for ponies and horseback riding when the family lived at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in the late 1980s. After her grandmother died last December, Jessica dedicated herself to spending time with her grandfather.
"In the last two months, she took me to the beach; that was the first time I had been to the beach in 20 years," Charles Stock said. "Jess filled my home with a lot of joy."
Following Jessica's death, parents and teachers from Bashaw Elementary School, where Rose Stock is an art teacher, stopped by the Stock home daily to offer support. The school also provided the funeral dinner at Woodland Baptist Church.
"We really want to thank the community for the outpouring of love for the family," Sherry Perny said. "Please continue to pray for the family."
At first, investigators speculated Jessica's death was due to a pedestrian accident, but until the FHP and the sheriff's office can piece a timeline together, no cause can be determined.
"We don't have a lot of information on Jessica's whereabouts on July 5," said Sgt. Rick Wells, of the FHP. "We're really trying to pinpoint where she was the evening of July 5."
Anyone with any information regarding Jessica Stock and her whereabouts - specifically on July 5 - should call Cpl. Lona Mitchell 751-7647, Ext. 131.
