Jessica Nelk

Jessica Nelk, 32, of Danville, passed away tragically at her home on Saturday, October 10, 2009. Jessica was born on April 17, 1977, in Danville, the daughter of Mr. Allen Nelk and Mrs. Cheryl (Vanderslice) Taylor. Jessica leaves behind and will be missed by her father, Allen Nelk (stepmother, Gretchen) of Paris, IL, her mother, Cheryl (Vanderslice) Taylor of Fairmount, IL, and her stepmother Kim. Jessica is also survived by her two precious children, Rhiannon, and Izaiyah, who where the light of her life and loved more than anything in the world. Her five brothers, Ian, Randy, Ryan, Kyle, Dalton, her paternal grandparents, Jerry Nelk, Sharon Alexander, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as her special friend, Kimberly Anderson also survive her. Her maternal grandparents, Fred and Marie (Hazelbaker) Vanderslice precede Jessica in death. Jessica was a graduate of Bismarck Henning High School and employed with Taco Bell located in South Danville. She enjoyed singing and listening to music. She has always been a survivor since she was born. At birth, Jessica weighed 2.5 pounds and during a time of little knowledge of premature childbirth. At the age of 2 years, Jessica was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, and after many surgeries and countless hours of therapy, she learned and was determined to navigate this earth on her own. Jessica had many friends and never met a stranger, and will be missed by all that knew her. A Celebration of Jessicas life will began at 2:00pm on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center located at 3940 N. Vermilion St. in Danville. Visitation will be from 4-8pm on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at the funeral home, and again from 1pm until time of service on Wednesday. Per Jessicas request, cremation will follow the service and burial will take place at a later date. I n lieu of flowers, a trust fund has been put in place for her two children. E-mail condolences may be made to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.