Jessica J. Smith
Jessica J. Smith, age 41, of Quincy, died on Monday, May 11, 2026 in Blessing Hospital. She was born on October 19, 1984 in Quincy and raised in LaBelle, MO.
She attended Highland Schools. Jessica worked as a housekeeper.
She fiercely loved her kids who were her best friends. Jessica was the life of the party and always brought the energy. Her laugh and smile could instantly light up a room. She was one of the most loving people. Jessica enjoyed listening to music. She loved her lip gloss (if you know, you know). Jessica lived her life by having fun with her kids.
Jessica lived the kind of life that left fingerprints on every heart she touched. She was known for her quick wit, contagious laugh, and the ability to make anyone feel like family within minutes of meeting her. She brought joy everywhere she went. Jessica had a gift for turning ordinary days into unforgettable memories, late night kitchen conversations, or dancing in the living room like nobody was watching. She could make you laugh through tears, and somehow knew exactly what to say when life got hard.
She leaves behind a family and circle of friends that will forever miss her sparkle. Though her absence leaves an ache no words can fully capture, her love remains woven into the lives of everyone lucky enough to know her. In honor of Jessica, her loved ones are encouraged to celebrate life the way she would through laughter, good food, music, and the people you love gathered close. Some people make the world brighter just by being in it, and Jessica was one of those people.
She is survived by:
HER MOTHER: Sharon K. Smith
HER FATHER: Williams Christopher Abbey
CHILDREN: Zarious Smith Palmer (Courtney), Dyrece Knaff II (Mackenna), De’Ziya O’Hara, Na’Zir O’Hara and Emani O’Hara.
A Grandchild to be born in July.
FATHER OF HER CHILDREN: Donnell O’Hara and Alvin Palmer
SIBLINGS: Krigina Abbey, Boonie Abbey, Tabitha Abbey, Nikki Abbey, Shay Smith, Cody Smith, Jeff Schmidt, Alexis Schmidt, Darryl Schmidt-Washington, Devin Bassett, and many more Washington family members.
HER DEAR FRIENDS: LaShana Marshall and Cody Mueller.
A host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and countless friends also survive.
Jessica was preceded in death by her daughter Amor’a O’Hara, grandparents Harry and Gracie Smith and Dyrece Knaff I.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Monday from 12:00 until the time of the services at 1:00. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Rip queen you will be so missed but I promise you you will never be forgotten my friend until we meet on the other side sending prayers out to the family sorry for your loss god gained another beautiful angel
Oh my auntie, what will we do without you? You were a fun outing lady, they way you call people lil ugly and the way you smell, dress, laugh and smile makes everyones day, rest easy for us and always stand beside us, we love you jessica.
RIH sweet Angel. Untill we meet again. 👑
Fly hi Jess you will be missed for sure
Rest easy beautiful you will be missed
Always smiling when I’d see her around. I said she reminded me of Mary J. Blige
No matter what life threw at you you could always put a smile on your face RIP Jessica you’ll always be missed and never forgotten! Sending prayers to your family!
Jessica your in a much better place no more suffering God will cover your babies. I just wanna say rest easy my girl.
Jessica,
You was a friend and a colleague and you will never be forgotten all the years back and all the good times we had but I never gave up on our friendship nor would I you will always be my friend til we meet again
RIp Jessica
Wendell
My Jay Bird… losing you feels like losing a piece of myself. You weren’t just a friend… you were my sister in every way that mattered. Through every laugh, every tear, every late-night talk that kept us going. You knew my heart like no one else, and life will never feel the same without your light. I will carry your love, your laugh, and every memory we made for the rest of my life. I miss you so deeply….
Always,
Amber Lynn
You prepared me for this, and I’m so grateful for the care and honesty you showed me. I couldn’t have made it through these days without the strength you gave me, even from afar. I have missed you every day since January 25 when you left my house; every corner of this home holds a memory of you. I keep replaying your laugh, the way you laid on my chest, and the small things you did that made ordinary moments feel sacred. I’m sorry I didn’t make you go to the hospital — that guilt will stay with me, but it doesn’t change how deeply I loved you. Thank you for loving me, for preparing me, and for the time we had together. I will carry you with me always, and I’ll remember you exactly as you were until the day we meet again.