Dr. Jessica Gray Gilliam-Valls

Dr. Jessica Gray Gilliam-Valls, known as Jessie to her loved ones and as Mamãe to her three gorgeous children, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at her home in Austin, Texas. Jessica was born in Hampton, Virginia, and her life journey took her across the United States and abroad. She lived in California, Texas, New York, New Hampshire, and Brazil before ultimately settling in Austin.

Jessica was preceded in death by her mother, Lindalou Elizabeth Richards. She is survived by her father, Farley Maxwell Gilliam; her sister, Eva Louise “Gucci” Gilliam; her three beloved children, Felipe Gilliam Valls, Marina Gilliam Valls, and Simone Gilliam Valls; their father, Marcos Max Valls-Martin; and her absolutely perfect, adored grandson, Sebastian Abel Valls-Barraza.

Jessica lived a life full of love, music, and joy, and she poured that joy into every person she encountered. While she was a world-class musician and professor, her proudest role was being a mother—recently promoted to grandmother. Her children were the center of her world. When she became a “Nana,” it lit up her heart in a way nothing else ever could. She bragged about her amazing children and grandson to everyone—colleagues, students, and even strangers—sharing her cherished stories and bringing a smile to everyone’s face. Her family was her greatest masterpiece.

Jessica's presence was truly a gift. She had a unique and rare way of making everyone feel instantly comfortable. She was unapologetically herself, and in doing so, she gave others the strength to be themselves. Through her teaching, friendship, music, and motherhood, she mentored people to flourish and to love who they were becoming. It was impossible not to love her—she was powerful in that way.

Dr. Gilliam-Valls’ educational accomplishments were limitless. She studied at the Oberlin Conservatory, receiving her Bachelor of Musical Arts; earned a Master of Music in Double Bass Performance from the Manhattan School of Music; and completed a Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. She performed with symphony orchestras all over the world, including the Austin and San Antonio symphonies, and was previously the principal bassist for the Orquestra da Rádio e Televisão Cultura in São Paulo, Brazil. She was a member of—or appeared with—a wide range of eclectic groups, including chamber music ensembles and jazz, tango, and bluegrass groups.

Jessica’s music continues to grace us through soundtracks, jingles, music festivals, church services, theaters, and venues all over the world. Her solo performances drew raving praise from all who were lucky enough to experience them.

Throughout the years, she served as a guest artist at double bass camps and workshops and taught on the faculties of Southwestern University, Huston-Tillotson University, and The Girls’ School of Austin. She single-handedly built and directed the orchestra programs at Dripping Springs High School and the two middle schools—Dripping Springs and Sycamore Springs. She also founded the Austin Bass Workshop, a beloved summer program for young double bass musicians. Dr. Valls was a dedicated member of the International Society of Bassists and served on its Board of Directors, leaving a lasting impact on students and colleagues around the world.

A visitation for Jessica will be held Wednesday, September 17, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78752, followed by a funeral service from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.