Jessica Irene Blue Coat was born to Lorna Blue Coat on November 17, 1977. Jess was recently diagnosed with cancer. She passed away on July 9, 2016, with Keith and Deb lovingly by her side.

Jessica attended the School for the Deaf from 1983 until she was enrolled at Black Hills Special Services in 1991. Jess has lived with her foster parents, Keith and Deb Pickett, and foster brothers, Nick, Tucker, and Tyler since 1994. Other foster siblings who have shared Jessica's life include Sharon, Thomas, and Zion.

Jess enjoyed having her guardian, Denise Bakke, visit her and join her at parties on special occasions. Jessica took great pride and enjoyment in her work. She had a passion for all children, including family, friends and the children at the day care where she volunteered. Lonnie Jenson was Jess's special friend who assisted her while volunteering, and they spent many hours together doing things they enjoyed. Jessica loved her friends and staff at Black Hills Special Services and was greatly loved by them as well. Jess started each day with several cups of coffee to get her good and ready forthe day's adventure.

Life at the Pickett household included many activities that they enjoyed together from camping to shopping to cheering on her brothers at sporting activities. Jessica showed an interest in becoming a pilot when she attended an air show at Ellsworth Air Force Base and climbed into the pilot's seat of a B1 bomber.

Jessica is also survived by her mother, Lorna, and three biological siblings: brothers, Dayzsha and Emanual, and sister, Krista. Jessica will be greatly missed but we take comfort knowing that she had a rich and full life surrounded by people who loved her.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Father Bunker Hill officiating.