Jessyca Clair Gelpi

Jessyca Clair Gelpi was born on August 7, 1983, in New Orleans to John J. Gelpi III and Wendy Folse Gelpi. From the very beginning, Jessy brought warmth, spirit, and joy to those around her. She attended and graduated from Mt. Carmel Academy, and later continued her education at the University of New Orleans, where she studied hospitality—a field that reflected her natural gift for making people feel welcome and cared for.

Jessy worked in the hospitality and service industry, where her kindness, humor, and genuine way with people earned her a loyal following of regular customers, coworkers, and friends. She had a deep love for animals and found joy in gardening, collecting antiques, traveling, and spending time outdoors. Some of her happiest moments were shared at family gatherings and holidays, especially when she was laughing and playing with her nieces and nephews, who adored her.

Jessy leaves behind a wide circle of family, friends, coworkers, and loved ones whose lives were made brighter by knowing her. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, vibrant personality, generous heart, and the easy way she made others feel seen and loved. Her memory will continue to live on in the stories, laughter, and love shared by all who knew her.

Preceded in death by her beloved mother, Wendy Folse Gelpi and grandparents, John J. Gelpi Jr., Lynne Leyrer Gelpi, and Wofford Folse Jr.

Jessy is survived by her father, John J. Gelpi III, & Stepmother Yolanda Gelpi; grandparents, JoAnn and Bob Mehaffy; three brothers, John J. Gelpi IV (Jennifer), Zachary W. Gelpi (Shelby Dupuy), and Jacob M. Gelpi (Kasey); nieces and nephews, Cole, John “Jack,” Georgia, and Vivian Gelpi; aunts, Leslie Gelpi, Jeanne “Tuppy” Gelpi Pecot (David), Denise Gelpi Ragan (Rickie), Annette Gelpi McDougal (Billy), Christie Gelpi Perrin (Larry), Dayna Folse Yeldell (Ricky), and Kathryn “Tutti” Folse; and numerous cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 12:00 pm. A memorial gathering will be held from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm.

To view and sign the family online guestbook and share your memories of Jessyca, please visit lakelawnmetairie.com