Jessica Jean Giesey

Jessica Jean Giesey passed away unexpectedly in San Antonio on May 29, 2026. She was born and raised in San Antonio and attended school in Alamo Heights. Her passion for photography began in Olmos Park, where she and her friend Meghan converted an extra room off the Cox family garage into a darkroom. It was there that her creative spirit first took root.

Jessica was a bright star in the lives of those who knew her, with a deep love for travel, adventure, and exploration. Her travels began with family trips to Santa Fe and Colorado, followed by a magical journey through Scotland and Brussels. She spent summers studying abroad in Spain and later enjoyed unforgettable adventures with her mother, Jean, and her friend Carolyn, and Carolyn’s daughter Katie, including trips to London and Paris.

Her educational journey took her to the Santa Fe School of Fine Arts, the University of Cape Town in South Africa, and ultimately the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California. Her talent and dedication led to employment with Gittings Photography, where she traveled to New York City to photograph major law firms. Jessica fell in love with New York, and it was there that she found her beloved dog, Mochi, who preceded her in death by a few weeks.

After returning to San Antonio, Jessica built a successful freelance photography career and enjoyed capturing the spirit and character of her hometown. One of her most memorable projects was the “Man Bun” competition, which brought together people from all walks of life and culminated in a downtown San Antonio exhibition. Participants proudly stood beside their portraits while family and friends gathered to celebrate the show.

Jessica treasured coming home for holidays and spending time with family. During high school, she developed a love for tennis and especially enjoyed playing with her father, who was immensely proud of her. Later in life, she worked for H-E-B, where she remained until health challenges made it difficult to continue.

Jessica also made a lasting impact in Rockport through friendships old and new, her support of the Rockport Center for the Arts through the Giesey Family Donations and the Rising Eyes exhibition, and her treasured friendship with Luis Peron.

Jessica's creativity, adventurous spirit, kindness, and love for family and friends touched countless lives. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, and her beloved baby brother, Christopher Wilson Giesey.

She is survived by her parents, Jean and Charles Giesey; stepbrother, Samuel Giesey III and his children; her Aunt Patty and her husband, Glen; her Uncle Greg; and her Uncle Kevin and his wife Jamie, and their children Wesley and Ian, along with their families; her Aunt Mary and her husband, Dan; her cousins, Leslie and John and their children; and many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

A celebration of Jessica’s life will be held in the coming months.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jessica’s name to the Lupus Foundation of American, 2121 K Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037 (https://www.lupus.org/give/ways-to-give); to the Rockport Center for the Arts, 204 St. Austin Street, Rockport, Texas 78382 (https://www.rockportartcenter.com/donate); or to a charity of your choice.