Jessica Christine Smith

Jessica Smith, 47, of Sweetser, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on June 23, 2026.

Jessica was born on June 19, 1979, in Anderson, Indiana, to Lois Wagner and Steven Clore.

To know Jessica was to know a force of nature. She was a ball of fire who lived life wide open and on her own terms. Honest, passionate, and unfiltered, Jessica never hesitated to speak her mind, yet beneath that fiery spirit was a heart of compassion. She never passed judgment and would gladly give her last dollar to help someone in need.

Caring for others was one of Jessica’s gifts. She found passion in working with the elderly, especially in hospice care, where she provided comfort, dignity, and companionship to those facing difficult moments.

Above all else, Jessica cherished her family. Her daughters were the pride of her life, and becoming a grandmother brought her a renewed sense of purpose and joy. Her grandbabies lit up her world and gave her a fresh spark that she treasured every day.

Jessica loved music and was rarely without a song in her heart. She graduated from Highland High School in 1997, where she participated in show choir. She enjoyed singing along to her favorite 1990s grunge music and had a special love for The Nightmare Before Christmas and the imaginative works of Tim Burton.

She also found joy in the things that made life colorful and fun. Jessica loved owls and was known for saying, “You’re a hoot.” She adored sunflowers, dogs, and animals of every kind, often taking in strays and caring for them as her own. She enjoyed watching skateboarding and loved being part of the motorcycle community. She had a wonderfully silly side and could often be heard talking in a British accent with Marcus and other fun accents with her sister Katie, just for the fun of it.

Jessica was fiercely loyal and protective of those she loved. Her friends and family could always count on her to stand beside them, defend them, and love them without reservation.

She is survived by her daughters, Jasmine (Brandon) Petry and Riley (Nicholas) Adams; beloved grandchildren, Scarlette, Dax, and Nikolai; mother, Lois (Danny) Ray; father, Steven Clore; sister, Katie (Brad) Miller; boyfriend, Marcus D. Garcia, and his family.

Jessica was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Edith and George Wagner; her paternal grandparents, Anita and Bill Clore; and her beloved pitbull, Orion, who helped her through many of life’s hardest times and held a special place in her heart.

Though her time here was far too short, Jessica leaves behind a legacy of strength, laughter, loyalty, and love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.