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.                                                                                             

    

I can't seem to be able to sleep so I brought up all the beautiful pictures the garden your Mom built to honor you. It is the most peaceful place to go, sit, and reflect on your Dad's life and yours. I look at your picture hung on my wall and just smile. Our last few times together we're so special. Thank you for the beautiful memories. I love you dearly. 

The link of this article written by Pam Eubanks, Senior Editor, of the East County Observer:   http://www.yourobserver.com/article/tragedy-leads-mother-loving-path

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office put together and just recently released a special YOUTUBE pertaining to Jessica Stock's, 12 years death investigation Case. Please share this link with as many people you know. We only hope and pray that her YOUTUBE will be shared and viewed by as many people as possible and hope that as a result of the Sheriff's youtube on Jessica, someone or some people will finally come forward and tell what they know about what happend to Jessica, July 6, 2004.
It has been 12 difficult years of missing my only child, Jessica, and waiting for answers as to what happened to her. To the person or people who know something that would help bring me some answers, please, do the right thing and come forward and provide any information to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office that will bring some resolve to my daughter's case. The Sheriff's YOUTUBE link on Jessica is https://youtu.be/7cB3EVt1hL4  

Jessie's Butterfly Memorial Garden Invitations were made available to her family and friends. Over 75 family and friends came to visit her garden to remember and honor her on her 12th Year Anniversary when the Lord called her HOME
(July 6, 2004 - July 6, 2016). 

The back design of Jessie's bookmark.

The front design of Jessie's bookmark that will be given out to her family and friends who will be visiting her Butterfly Memorial Garden on her 12th Year Anniversary, July 6, 2016. Her garden will, also, be opened Saturday, July 9, for anyone not able to visit on the 6.

I wrote this in the sand for Jessie...That was our tranquil spot!! I miss our beach days sooo much!! I think of her everytime I go..Im glad you shared this picture and the other one too.. I'll nver forget her!! RIP!!! BFF!!

"It's about 7:30 on a beautiful Saturday morning at Beach Street. For whatever reason, I'm not sleeping and having the time of my life. I forgot how precious time with myself is. All around me I hear the soothing sound of the waves, and the happy seagulls squacking about each other. I forgot how much I love this place. It completes me. I never want to leave it. The sun is coming up from the east. It is so beautiful and bright. I never get to see it like this. There's nothing like it!!! Earlybirds are up jogging and walking the beach. This sand is so wonderful it is like powder.
I feel very lucky to be alive. Oh, how much we take for granted. I am very thankful for everything.

My mind keeps wandering to all those people in Littleton, CO. How could this happen GOD? WHY? It seems so strange that most all of the kids who died were strong in faith, and come from religious families. What does this means LORD? I know it means something. You know my thoughts and prayers are reaching out to them. I fear the years ahead in this world today. When are we finally going to understand, LORD? Is it only after death or will you come before that? Until........I remain here. At times like right now, I don't mind being here at all. (:

Man, there's a lot of old people here.......and to think someday I will be just like them. Probably scouring the beach, too.
This is really great! I'm having TOTALLY QUALITY  time to myself. My soul feels such strong inner peace."      

Dearest Jessie, You are always on my mind. No matter how long it took to see each other, where I was, what I was doing, to say "Hello", "I missed you." Seeing you with a happy, excited with joy was something I knew and hoped to see when we saw each other again. This is not a "Good Bye," This is a "I will see you soon again!"
I will miss you with all my heart and will always be on my mind till then!
I LOVE YOU,
Chami

    
Loved
Her mother
Her father
Her Family
Her Friends
Kids
Animals (Kitty Cats)
Green
Beach
Read (Romance, Mystery Novels)
"Fine" Pentel Pens
Pictures, Photos
Clothes, Shoes, Styles
Hair Spay
80's Music
Classical Music
Blue Crush (Movie)
Candles
Frogs
Mocha Jult "Smackers" Lip Gloss
Mocha $.99 Lip Liner
Coffee
Silver Jewelry
BIG Hoop Earrings
BIG Bags
Marbro Menthol Cigs.
Bud Light Beer
Lillys
Roses
Pokka Dot Toe Nails
EVERYTHING!!!
                    

                                  
        

I Thought I saw your face today
In the sparkle of the sun.
And then I heard an angel say,
"Their work on earth is done."
I thought I heard your voice today
Then laugh your hardy laugh.
And then I heard an angel say,
"There's peace, Jess, once at last."
I thought I felt your touch today
In the breeze that rustled by.
And then I heard an angel say,
"The spirit never dies."
I thought you have left us
For the stars so far above
 And then I heard an angel say,
"She left you with her love."
I thought I would miss you so
 And never find my way.
And then I heard an angel say,
"She's with you everyday."
The sun, the wind, and the moon
Will be forever around the stars.
Reminding you of the love you shared
                        And the peace she's finally found.                          

                                                  You will always be in my heart!   
                                                          Leah                  

After losing my daughter, Jessica Marie, July 6, 2004, my heart broke in many pieces. Jessica Marie was my world, and her passing brought despair and hopelessness into my life. She was taken away from her dad and me, too quickly and too soon. I knew Jessica had many friends, but, I didn't know she touched so many people during her short life of 25 years. The outpouring of support and grieving friends were overwhelming. The church where she had her Celebration of Life service filled to capacity, leaving many standing along the side aisles and outside the church. Despite my deep grieving before the service, I reached out and hugged and comforted her sobbing friends as they came up to me to pay their respect. The line of grieving friends seemed to have no end.

As Jessica's first year anniversary of her death approached, I wanted to design a small garden in her memory. I visualized a small garden alongside my home with some of her favorite plants, flowers, ceramic frogs and angels. The thoughts of butterflies came to mind and I wanted to release a dozen butterflies at 11:00 a.m. around the time her body was found. The small memorial garden was completed as planned and I invited a few of her family and friends to come and visit the garden July 6, 2005 to remember Jessica. In the middle of her garden a small candle was lit in front of her picture. At 11:00 a.m. there was a painful silence, and then the butterflies were released. It was a touching and moving ceremony in her memory. I was deeply moved when one of her close friends said to me, "Mrs. Stock, thank you for Jessica's Garden. Now, I can come to her garden to think of her and not have to go to the cemetery."

Throughout the years after Jessica's death, many of her family and friends continued to visit her memorial garden whenever they wanted. They came with plants, flowers, and statues of frogs and angels. They came with colorful stepping stones, windchimes, and birdhouses. They placed whatever they brought anywhere they wanted in the garden. Almost everything brought to the garden had personal messages written for Jessica. Messages such as: "Jessie, I love and miss you so much," "You will always be in my heart," "Thank you for being a wonderful friend to me."

Between being a full-time teacher and wife, I made the time to continue working and expanding my daughter's memorial garden every year for family and friends to visit and enjoy. Jessica's garden is a certified butterfly garden by the North American Butterfly Association. Throughout the years, water fountains, arbors, birdbaths, and garden benches, were added features to the garden. Brick walkways, narrow pathways, and garden nooks were also added. Words of Jessica's Memorial Garden reached other friends, and they too came to visit it.

My daughter's Memorial Garden has been a true blessing and a huge part of my healing throughout the years after losing her. It is a place where I enjoy the fragrance of blooming flowers and gentle breeze. It is a place of buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies. It is simply a place where I continue to find solace and peace.


Rose Stock (Jessica's mom)                

It has been over eleven years since I last saw and spoke with my daughter, Jessica Marie. Oh, how I long to see her again. I know that I will see her again someday when my Lord calls me home. It is comforting to know that she is in heaven with the Lord and reunited with her dad, Russell, who passed away, June 4, 2014. Clearly etched in my mind is the day Jessica turned to me and said, "I love you mom," before she got in her friend's car to go celebrate the 4th of July weekend. Little did I know these were to be the last words I will ever hear from my daughter.
The pain of losing Jessica, Tuesday, July 6, 2004, has been a pain beyond any pain I have ever experienced. It is a pain that only parents who lost a child know. It is a pain that I will never wish on anyone. The pain is always there in my heart and through the years I learned how to hold it back in order to function as a wife and teacher. The overwhelming support from my church, school, community, family, and friends, helped me through  the difficult journey of my loss and I am truly grateful to them for that. My beloved husband, Russell, also suffered right alongside me when we lost our daughter, Jessica.
I know that nothing will bring my daughter back, but, I also know that I need answers as to what happened to Jessica, July 6, 2004. I am not seeking revenge but seeking justice for my only child, Jessica. It has been twelve years and I want to know: What happened to my daughter? Where did my daughter take her last breath? Who is resposible for her death, and why?
This is where I am pleading, from a mother's broken heart for many years, to the public: If anyone has any information pertaining to Jessica Stock's death that will lead to solving her case, please call the Manatee County Sheriff's Office in Bradenton, Florida at (941) 747-3011, or Crime Stoppers at (866) 634-TIPS(8477). Callers can remain anonymous.    

  
Rose Stock (Jessica's mom)