Jessica Lucille Mann Charters

She was born April 20, 1972 in Toledo, Ohio. Jessica was preceded in death by her grandparents Ruth and Jim Bruere, Mable and Harry Higgins, Father-in-Law Vincent Charters, and her beloved dog Roxie. She is survived by her husband of fifteen years, Stephen Charters, Oxford, England, her parents, Lucie and Sid Mann and aunts, uncles and cousins across the United States.

In 1974, the family moved from Washington, DC, courtesy of the United States Air Force. Jessica graduated from Anderson High School and Texas Christian University with degrees in “Radio, Television, Film” and “International Relations”! Upon graduating from TCU, Jessica went on to be a photographer for the Winston Salem Journal. From there she moved to Orlando to become a photographer for the Orlando Sentinel.

While a Junior at TCU she spent a semester in London with a photography group from Syracuse University. That was when she met Stephen. He was her contact for getting to the Dragon Boat Racing National Finals. They kept in touch through cards and occasional phone calls.

With the arrival of email, they stepped up communication which resulted them meeting again, this time 2002 in Florida where their relationship started. In 2004, Jessica moved to London to allow the relationship to continue. While in London, she initially worked as a freelance photographer. She then took a job at the Oxford Mail and Oxford Times as their photo editor. Her next job was with Alamy, a photo agency to manage the news desk which they were setting up. Through her jobs, Jessica was able to travel extensively and Stephen was able to tag along

In 2007, Jessica and Stephen were married in Hope Town, Abaco, Bahamas which was her second home. Jessica’s maternal Grandparents had a winter home on the tiny island of Elbow Cay. Most vacation times were spent there. After they were married, Jess and Stephen volunteered at a sailing and sports camp for the local children on the island.

Jessica was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2018 and underwent many treatments for it, initially in the UK and then in the USA when conventional methods were insufficient and enrolment into new trial treatments became necessary. Never one to quit, Jessica doggedly pursued medical options to treat the cancer, often surprising the consultants with her knowledge of both existing and emerging science. Despite this determination, Jessica lost her battle with cancer and will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on 23rd September, 2022 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, due to her love of animals, especially dogs, the family suggests donations be made in her name to Austin Pets Alive at 1156 Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas, 78703 or to Hope Town Sailing and Sport Camp. For more information please contact her family.