Jessica Dawn Winters-Winnett, age 33, of DeLeon Springs, FL formerly of Casey, IL was killed at 5 a.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2016 in an automobile accident near Orlando, FL. Jessica was enroute to her job as a Chef for Jiko (5 star restaurant) at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in Walt Disney World.
Jessica was born March 20, 1982 in Mattoon, IL, the daughter of Eric Grant Winters and Marsha Lynn Snearley Winters. On October 5, 2008 she married Shawn Winnett in Casey, IL.
Jessica is survived by her husband, Shawn Winnett of DeLeon Springs, FL; parents, Eric Winters and Marsha (Dennis) Ring of Casey, IL; father and mother in law, Morris and Leota Winnett of Casey, IL; sisters, Amber Winters of Knoxville, TN; Tiffany Winters, LeAnn (Bobby) Warner, Erica Winters, Rachel Winters and Tracy Ring-Wright, all of Casey, IL; brothers, Zane Winters, Guy Michael Ring and Dennis Ring, Jr, all of Casey, IL; nieces, Althea Winters, Hailey Warner and Raedynn Warner; nephews, JD Shackelford, Chase Shackelford, Connor Winters, Elisha Warner and Reyse Warner; her grandparents, Fred and Wanda Winters of Casey, IL, many aunts, uncles, cousins and her four legged son, Harley. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Carl and Maurine Snearley.
Jessica is a 2000 graduate of Casey Westfield High School where she enjoyed competing in track and field. She attended Indiana State University and Lake Land College, and graduated in 2008 from the prestigious Kendall College Culinary Arts in Chicago. Jessica’s first position as a Chef was at Richard’s Farm in Casey, IL. She had previously worked at CTM in 1998 and at the Casey Auction House.
With the biggest heart, Jessica’s first priority was her family. She enjoyed motorcycle rides and shooting pool with her husband Shawn and making time to spend with family and friends. Her dream was to come home to Illinois and open a bakery in Charleston. Adventuresome, fun, witty, sarcastic, intelligent and wise, independent, hard-driving, forgiving, sensible and loving were the adjectives used in conjunction with her name.
“Her character always changed things for the better.” “She was one that had a deep emotional love and connection for family and land.” That was Jessica. Her love and selflessness reached out to the lives she touched.
Living to Love and Loving to Live. Jessica was a devoted wife, daughter and granddaughter, great sister, sweet niece and the best cousin and aunt ever. You left us too soon. Be at peace – We miss you!
Funeral services for Jessica will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at the Markwell Funeral Home with Rev. Kenny Inman officiating. Burial will follow in the Washington Street Cemetery, Casey, IL. Visitation will be held on Monday evening from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
You can learn more about Jessica by visiting her public Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jwinterswinnett
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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