Obituary

Jessica Jean Ballew (Whipkain)

Sunrise: February 17, 1991 — Sunset: June 23, 2025

Prayer Service June 27, 2025 at 6pm, Wexliem Community Building, Lummi Washington

Funeral Service June 28, 2025 at 10am, Wexliem Community Building, Lummi Washington

Final Resting Place Lummi Nation Cemetery

The life of Whipkain, Jessica Jean Ballew, born on February 17, 1991, in Bellingham, Washington, Jessica was the beloved daughter of Tami Jefferson and Matthew Ballew Sr.

Jessica’s relationship with her parents reflected the love and values with which she was raised. She was not only a daughter but also the best friend to her mom, whom she adored deeply. Their connection was filled with laughter, support, and shared memories that brought love and joy to both their lives. Her dad, Matt, loved her so much that he even named his canoe after her—a symbol of the special place she held in his heart. That same warmth, dedication, and strength shone through in the way Jessica mothered her own son—loving, caring, present, and endlessly devoted. She believed in the power of family and connection, making it a priority to nurture those relationships every day. Her kindness, patience, and unwavering support left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her, and her legacy will continue to inspire those she loved.

Jessica began her spiritual journey through the Thiyotel longhouse in 2010–2011, embracing her culture and community with strength, humor, and heart. During long winter ceremonies at the longhouse, Jessica had her own unique way of bringing laughter to those around her—even in the most serious of moments, her presence was uplifting and unforgettable.

She graduated High School in 2009, and from an early age, Jessica knew she was called to teach. Having grown up helping in her mom’s daycare business, she became a dedicated teacher for over 16 years. Her passion for children and education ran deep. She worked professionally at the Lummi Early Learning Program and Northwest Indian College daycare, but her heart was always with her mom’s daycare, where she proudly served as her mom’s personal assistant and favorite teacher. She created joy, safety, and adventure for every child she worked with—always finding ways to make learning fun, whether through creative play, cultural lessons, or spontaneous field trips.

She was the proud and loving mother to her son, Elias Scarbrough. Jessica embraced motherhood with pride and strength. She was a proud mom through and through — pouring her heart into raising Elias, celebrating his milestones, and guiding him with love, patience, and a fierce devotion. Her joy and sense of purpose as a mother radiated in everything she did, and her bond with Elias was as beautiful and strong.

Jessica and Leo’s relationship blossomed naturally out of friendship. They met through mutual friends of her brothers. Jessica kindly offered Leo a place to stay. Late-night talks in Leo’s room became a comfort for both, as they opened up about life, struggles, and their pasts. What began as friendship quietly evolved into love.

That love was solidified when their son Elias Matthew Scarborough “stormy boy” — was born. It was the moment that transformed Jessica and Leo into a family, forever bonded by love and the journey they shared.

Jessica had a vibrant and mischievous spirit. She was the queen of pranks—no one was safe. From playing jokes on Elias, to teasing her friends, to catching her coworkers off guard, Jessica made sure laughter followed her wherever she went. Whether it was slamming on the brakes while someone was tying their shoe or sneakily cracking an egg on Leo’s head, she always brought chaos and joy in equal measure. She loved making TikToks with her nephews and coworkers, proudly holding the title of “Auntie Favorite” and “Teacher Favorite.” She always joked that every baby should be named Jessica or Jessie.

Jessica had many passions: country music, bowling, watching sunsets, storm chasing, Netflix binges (especially Grey’s Anatomy, Station 19, American Idol, 9-1-1), and being the first to scare someone at home or at work. Elias was her 5 a.m. wake up alarm. She liked playing ninja tag, spontaneous road trips, and stargazing. She was a cheeseball, an instigator, and a force of nature.

She was also a proud athlete. Jessica paddled with Mersia Mae Canoe Club, Lady Rose Canoe Club, and played soccer with the Angels Football Soccer Team, and was active in fastpitch, softball, ball hockey, basketball, volleyball, and soccer. She had a deep love for canoe pulling and being part of her community through sports and cultural events.

Jessica had many, many friends, and a unique relationship with every single person around her. She was the best friend you could count on—loyal, fierce, and always just a call away. She adored her uncles, aunties, nieces, and nephews, loving them all with her whole heart. She lived a beautiful life, rich in connection, culture, and laughter.

Jessica had a way of creating deep bonds and unforgettable memories everywhere she went. She was the keeper of secrets, someone everyone could trust, and yet somehow always had the “tea” on all the gossip, too. That was just Jessica—real, raw, hilarious, and endlessly loved.

Those who knew her will remember her for her goofy, loving, stubborn, adventurous soul. She was short in height but larger than life—courageous, fiercely blunt, and full of compassion. Whether you were making TikToks you didn’t want to, riding in the trunk of her car, watching scary movies, or just trying to keep up with her energy, life with Jessica was unforgettable.

She is deeply missed by her family, friends, coworkers, students, and everyone whose life she touched.

Her legacy lives on in her son Elias, her laughter, her pranks, the stars she loved to stare at, and every road trip, birthday, and memory shared with those she loved most.