Jessica Lynn Richards, age 41, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away on January 24, 2026, just days before her 42nd birthday. Born on January 29, 1984, Jessica lived a life marked by love, strength, and deep connection to the people who mattered most to her.
Jessica was the beloved daughter of Rosanne Murphy Pafford and the late Terrell Pafford, whom she is now reunited with. She was a devoted and loving mother to her cherished daughter, Jace Rosemary Kersey, who was the light of her life and her greatest joy.
She was also a proud and protective big sister to Jayna Hale (Murphy), a role she carried with fierce loyalty and unconditional love. Jessica is also survived by her brother Andrew Brown. Jessica’s bond with her family ran deep, and those relationships shaped so much of who she was.
Above all, Jessica will be remembered for her strong heart, her love for her family, and the lasting impression she left on everyone who knew her. Her memory will live on through the love she gave and the lives she touched.
A funeral service will be held on February 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Middleburg, Florida 32068. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and celebrate Jessica’s life.
She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
