Born on May 17, 1980 in Warren, MI, Jessie lived a life defined by compassion, conviction, and a deep commitment to helping others. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in sociology and journalism from Central Michigan University in 2002, she worked as a social worker first in the foster care system, and then with her mother Barbara at Medilodge of Sterling Heights. During her seven years at Medilodge, she found a deep love for working with nursing home residents. This motivated her to return to law school in 2014 with the goal of practicing elder law. She found a home at Burns, Cronauer, & Brown, where she practiced primarily in general civil litigation, including appellate work, from 2017 to 2024. She was known for her integrity, dedication, and tireless advocacy on behalf of her clients.
In 2025, Jessie followed her calling to serve children and families more directly by returning to social work. For the last ten months, she worked with Spectrum Human Services as adoption specialist. Her colleagues remember her as an amazing person and tenacious defender of children.
Outside of her career, Jessie found joy in traveling; seeing live music; spending time at the lake; watching the Golden Girls and Jeopardy; and hanging with her friends and boyfriend Jason, making sure everyone was laughing and having a good time. She loved the many children in her life, including her biological niece James and nephew Robby, her stepson Jake, and the children of her closest friends. She will be remembered for her quick wit, generous spirit, and fierce loyalty to those she loved.
She is survived by her stepson Jake Smelser, her mother Barbara Parsons, her sister Rachel Parsons, brother-in-law Nicholas Hnatiw, brothers Michael Parsons and Matthew Parsons, her sister-in-law Chelsea (Ball) Parsons, her niece James Parsons-Hnatiw and her nephew Robert Parsons-Hnatiw. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob Smelser and her father Robert Parsons.
Jessie’s visitation will be held at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road in Clinton Township, on Monday October 27, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A prayer service will take place on Monday at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Michael Catholic Church, 40501 Hayes Road in Sterling Heights, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 9:30 am. Friends may visit the church on Tuesday beginning at 9:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Spectrum Human Services, Inc.
