Jessica Ann Washburn

Jessica Washburn, 34, of Athens, TN, unexpectedly returned to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 24, 2024.

Jessica was born on June 14, 1989, to Otto & Marsha Washburn in Petoskey, MI. She attended school in Alanson, MI until her family relocated to Knoxville, TN. She then attended Knox County Schools. While in school, Jessica enjoyed playing basketball and was a member of her school’s basketball team. She also enjoyed martial arts and was a member of her school’s taekwondo class. Jessica enjoyed many extra-curricular activities and girl scouts. She was active in many clubs and programs growing up. She had to remain busy. Some might agree that she was born with a drawing pencil in her hand. She loved to draw and had many doodle books filled with her art and sketches. As a child, she aspired to be a veterinarian and her love for animals always remained.   

Recently, Jessica said that the best part of her childhood was the time she spent with her parents, brother, family and cousins. She stated that her favorite memories of her teen years were in her ability to help her dad in the early stages of planning and growing his landscaping business. 

As an adult, Jessica held many jobs. She worked in a few East Tennessee factories on assembly lines and in warehouse work. Jessica was employed at HP Pelzer as a light foam press operator in Athens, TN. She was also a budding tattoo artist.

In 2022, Jessica met and began dating Kenny Culberson. Jessica recently revealed that there were plans for Kenny to seek her dad’s permission to ask for her hand in marriage. 

The Culberson family gave Jessica the love she could finally receive. The Washburn’s would like to thank the entire Culberson family for welcoming Jessica into their family and for loving her the way she so richly deserved after the many years of struggles and hardships that she faced. 

Jessica was making great progress in rebuilding her life. She was back on her feet. She was fighting the good fight to reunite and renew relationships with her children and family. She was eager to start and build a life with her soon-to-be husband and to be the lady God called her to be. She was energetic about trying to reconnect with her family and most importantly, she was trying to get her life right with God. 

Jessica was predeceased by her maternal grandparents Barbara Carter and Carloe Carter; paternal grandparents Otto and Ethel Washburn. Great great-aunt Dee and Uncle Bill Samborski; great-aunt Mary (Bob) Blalock; uncle Joseph Carter; aunts Connie Beair, Loretta Ettawa; cousins Ted Jakeway, Nadine Gibbs.

Jessica is survived by her parents Otto and Marsha Washburn; one brother, Steven; five children: Kaylie, Tyler, Jayden, Nathanial, Serene; two nephews Chase and Grayson; great uncle Robert Splinter; great-uncle Leroy Carter; uncles: William Frutiger, uncle Bob and Aunt Virginia Beair, aunts: Brenda King, Kathy (Les) Washburn, Carrie Carter, Donna (Larry) Cupps, Alberta Swaddling, Barb Foster, fiancé Kenny Culberson; stepson Brandon Culberson; father-in-law Joe Culberson; mother-in-law Charlene Carroll; sister-in-law Rebecca McFarland, as well as many cousins and countless friends.

Jessica was and will always remain a true champion in her fight. The battle was hard fought and there are those who may feel that she lost. Regardless of those opinions, we know God wins the war. The entirety of Jessica’s family will cherish our most fond memories of her forever and we will miss her dearly. If you feel led, in lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Congregation Beth Adonai on Jessica’s behalf. There will be no public services at this time. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com.