Jessica Frances Durham, of Summertown, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly on November 10, 2026. She was the cherished daughter of Jeff and Cary Durham.
Jessica had a tender, generous heart and a caring soul. She did caring things that no one ever realized, never for recognition, but because she cared deeply. She stocked Thanksgiving meals for people, every year sponsored the angel tree, quietly making sure others had what they needed. Humble, stubborn, and wise, she kept those she loved grounded.
She adored her mother, whom she called Mother, and her dad, whom she called Daddy or Dad. She always knew exactly who to turn to: her brother for advice on life or to just hang out, her sister to vent and plan their next adventure, her sister-in-law to vent and laugh, her dad for help, and her mother for anything immediate.
Jessica earned her associate’s degree from Columbia State Community College, and she went on to receive her medical transcription degree. She went on to land a job at Farm Bureau Insurance where she continued her education and built her career. She started in the cafeteria, where she loved her job, and worked there for 3 years. She then moved to data entry, and more recently, was promoted to Business Systems Specialist in UAT where she earned her associate’s degree in insurance, her customer service certificate, and her agent’s license. She had been in the role for 3 years. She worked for Farm Bureau Insurance for 8 years, 9 this coming January. Her work meant a great deal to her. She often worked late working on issues. There wasn’t a problem she couldn’t solve. She had finally found her place there surrounded by dear friends who will carry her memory with them.
Jessica never wanted to marry, but she gave so much love to the children she cared for over the years, including the Arnold and Durham children as well as Shaun, Daylan, Aubree, Avaree, Brady, Jade, Jazdyn, Jagger, and Jalee.
Family was Jessica’s heart. She held tightly to family traditions, especially Thanksgiving, and loved the golden days of fall: S’mores by the fire, fishing, baseball, NACO camping trips, and beach trips with family.
Jessica is lovingly remembered by her parents, Jeff and Cary; her older sister, Anna; her younger brother, James; her nieces Heidi, Olivia, Amelia, Sarah, and Abby; her nephews Judah and Thomas; her beloved friend and sister-in-law, Christine Durham; and her brother-in-law, Brandon Arnold.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert and Zilda Durham and James and Willa Frances Williams; her uncles, Richard Porter and RL Durham; her cousin, Daniel Paul Chapman; and her cousin, Catheryne Santos.
Serving as pallbearers will be her uncles, Miley Durham and Theodore Durham; her brother-in-law, Brandon Arnold; her friend, Travis Kuhns; her brother, James Durham; and her cousin, Bret Holden. Honorary pallbearers will be her uncle, Henry Chapman, and her cousin, Ryan Durham.
Jessica’s love lives on in the people she cared for and the traditions she helped keep. She was deeply loved, and she will be missed more than words can say.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday, November 13, 2026, and from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 14, 2026, with David Morris officiating. Interment will follow at Summertown Cemetery in Summertown, TN. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jessica may contribute to Jessie’s Kids Memorial Fund, a private family fund established to continue her loving support of the children whose lives she helped shape. Jessica’s sister and brother will administer the fund to support those children’s education, activities, and other needs. To donate, reach out to any of the family.
