Jessica Elizabeth Martin

Jessie was born May 11, 1980, to George (Linda) Martin and Jenifer Guresky Martin in Brooklyn, NY. While growing up with her sister Stephanie Martin and step-sister Samantha Aucone, she graduated from New Rochelle High School and attended Corning Community College. After completing her education, Jessie’s work in construction took her across New York state, and she eventually settled in Jamestown in 2004.

She was then blessed with two sons, Russell “Rusty” Steward III, and Cash Steward, of Frewsburg, NY, who were the light of her life and whom she carried in her heart and thoughts every day.

Also at this time, Jessie formed a lifelong connection with Jamie Griffin, who she regarded as a sister. In 2012, Jessie met her fiance Jeff Hughan, with whom she made a home and shared a long-lasting love. She had the joy of being “bonus mom” to Jeff’s daughter Alexis Hughan and had a special bond with his mother Sherry Hughan who she loved and called “Mom”.

She was Aunt Jessie to Jamie’s children, Jaxon Nobles and Zaporah Sparrow. She was also Aunt Jessie to Fiona Cortright, whose mother Megan Feldt was a beloved best friend, as well as to Leo Allison, Olivia Clement and McKenzie Mahoney. She was a figure of love to many others she made cherished connections with.

Jessie believed the most important virtue in life was unconditional love. She was the first to help someone during hardships and the first to celebrate their successes. Jessie would move mountains to make sure the people in her life felt seen and loved. She was quick to offer advice, a hand to hold, a dish to pass, or a hug to comfort. Jessie also loved the peace that being in nature provided her mind and spirit. Surrounded by the beauty of the forest, she could connect to her affinity for wildlife and plants. She delighted in the calls of crows and the blooms of forget-me-nots. She was devout in her belief of God and of a spiritual connection to Nature. She had a fondness for moss and ivy and revered the qualities they represented; preservation and perseverance.

Jessie’s absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved her. Anyone who got to know Jessie loved her. She is survived by her beloved “twin” Aunt Sharon Martin, many other family members, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her 15-year-old “bonus child” Alexis Hughan and her “Meemaw” June Meader-Kessler.

Funeral arrangements and memorial arrangements will be made at a later date by the Lind Funeral Home.