Jessica Marie Gehrke

Heaven gained another angel, who was also a warrior. Jessica Marie (Brester) Gehrke, age 46, of Cypress, Texas passed away Monday, April 17, 2023, after battling Leukemia. Born in Mendota, Illinois on December 27, 1976, she was the daughter of Mary (Lehnen) Brester and the late Fred D. Brester.

Jessica graduated from Mendota High School in 1995. She then attended Kankakee Community College where she was an All-American collegiate volleyball player. She finished her college degree at Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State) where she also played volleyball and met [future husband] Craig. She followed the love of her life to Allen, Texas, where she and Craig married on September 29, 2001. Jess coached for Texas Assault club volleyball team and taught private lessons. In 2008, Jessica, Craig and the boys moved to Houston, TX, where Jess continued to coach club volleyball and offer private lessons. To first exemplify Jess the warrior, she received a kidney transplant in 2008. “Mr. Peasley” stayed very strong for Jess through thick and thin and much longer than expected. She loved serving as the Head Volleyball Coach and Director of Admissions for Rosehill Christian School.

Jessica loved her family and friends with all of her heart. As the warrior fighting leukemia, she was present (physically and/or mentally) for as many events and gatherings as possible. Jessica is known by family and friends for her love of animals, especially rescuing dogs, and all things Disney and Harry Potter. She loved Christmas and sitting in the driveway enjoying time with friends.

Jessica is survived by her husband of 22 years, Craig Gehrke. Sons, Thomas and Ben Gehrke. She is also survived by her mother, Mary Brester, Sarasota, Florida, brothers Pat of Sarasota, Florida and Phil of Triumph, Illinois. Sister, Jenn Timmer of Baileyville, Illinois. She is also survived by her four-legged children Princess, Athena, Peanut, Nyx, and Corbin.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday June 3rd, 2023 from 1:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. in Cypress, TX at the Barn (16416 Mueschke Rd, Cypress, TX, 77433).

The family requests donations in lieu of flowers. Preferences are Camp Cho-Yeh (https://www.cho-yeh.org/) in Livingston, TX and/or Lucky Lab Rescue (Luckylabrescue.com/donate).