Jessica Lynn Carpenter

Jessica Lynn Carpenter – loving wife, mother, sister, and friend – passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024, in Durango, CO at the Mercy Hospice House after a 5-year battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at Hood Mortuary in Durango, CO on January 20, 2024 at 2:00 pm.

Jessica was born on February 6, 1967, to Bentley Clark Pollard and Roberta June Everett in Durango, CO. Being the youngest of six siblings, she was the baby of the family, though her innate ability to deeply connect and bring people together made it clear to all that she was wise beyond her years.

Jessica attended Coronado High School in Lubbock, TX, graduating in 1985, before she made her way back to Durango, CO. It was here that she had some of the best times of her life, working downtown as a bartender. It was during one of these wild nights that she met the love of her life, Michael Lynne Carpenter, after being introduced by mutual friends.

Jessica and Michael went on to marry on January 1, 1994. They had two daughters, Hayden Elizabeth Carpenter, and Jensen Elise Carpenter, who Jess considered to be her greatest achievement. It was during their childhood that Jessica went back to school to get her Nursing Degree from San Juan College in Farmington, NM. The family of four spent just over 17 magical years in Farmington at the Juniper House, Jessica’s favorite place.

Despite facing cancer not once, but twice, Jessica lived her life to the fullest. She loved going on walks, singing and dancing to her favorite music, enjoying a glass of wine on her deck, and above all, being with the people she loved. She was a bright light that attracted and impacted everyone she met. She never met a stranger and always gave people the benefit of the doubt. Jessica taught many how to soften their hearts in the face of hurt or anger.

Jessica was predeceased by her mother, Roberta, and father, Bentley. She is survived by her husband, Michael, her daughters, Hayden and Jensen, her brothers, Norval Pollard (Mary), Bentley Pollard (Leslie), and Chalmer Pollard (Sara), as well as her sisters, Becky Wigton (Kent) and Corine Pedersen (Billy). She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews; Bentley, Justin, Quinn, Harrison, Melissa, Everett, Mahlon, Chandler, Landon, Amber, and Jack.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Mercy Hospice House or the La Plata County Humane Society.