On Nov. 27, 2019, Jessica Marie Lofton died from an accidental overdose at the age of 29. Although no toxicology is available at this time, her addiction was to heroin and Xanax. We would like to share her story in the hope that a life may be saved so her death will not be in vain. No one plans to be an addict.

As a child, Jessica was a treasure and was loved deeply, with so much promise and yet she still died from an overdose. Addiction does not discriminate. Using heroin once is all that it takes to become hooked; from then on, you are playing Russian roulette. This is what happened to Jessica. Heroin is a demon that affects the way your brain processes pleasure, taking over not just your brain but your life, destroying families and friendships.

Jessica was always a beautiful young woman, feisty, stubborn, had a robust, contagious laugh, would do anything for a friend and always lit up a room with her smile, energy and crazy sense of humor. Hers was a 10-year struggle, starting with opioids, which progressed to heroin. Many loved ones did everything they could to help her, but heroin won the battle.

The day Jessica died a part of us died along with her. We will miss her every day for the rest of our lives. The pain of her death is heartbreaking and intolerable, which is why stories like Jessica’s should not be ignored. The only way we will conquer the heroin epidemic is to share our stories and raise awareness.

Jessica, you have now found the peace you so desperately searched for here on earth. Before your descent into drugs, you trusted Jesus as your Savior and that fact is the biggest reason we can smile through the pain. You loved your children and they adored you as well. Knowing you, there is no doubt that you have a front row seat in heaven and are ecstatic with how many people loved you and have been truly affected by your death.

Jessica will be greatly missed by her daughter, Braylynn Lofton; sons, Camden Mercier and Jax Bergeron; father, Jason Lofton; mother, Janelle Johnson; stepfather, Brad Johnson; sister Macy Johnson; brother, Reese Johnson, and grandmother, Susan Presson.

Preceding her in death were her paternal grandparents, Charles and Joyce Lofton, and maternal grandfather, Cebern Presson.

A celebration of her heavenly homecoming will be held at Riverwood Family in Brookhaven, Mississippi, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019. Services for Jessica are at 2 p.m. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until time of service.

Memorials for Jessica can be made to God’s House of Hope of Kilmichael, 800 School Road, Kilmichael, MS 39747.

Republished from The Daily Leader newspaper in Brookhaven