Jessica Elizabeth Matejka

Jessica Elizabeth Matejka, born to Beth, Mike and 18-month-old big brother Justyn on November 15, 1999, will be in our hearts forever. From the time Jessica was small, she knew how to live big. From record-breaking green bean eating to a laugh so contagious people from across a room would turn and stare, Jess knew how to make the most of a moment. But most of all, Jessica loved well. Her best friends knew they could count on her to pull on her cowboy boots and put on her dancing cut-offs for an unforgettable night out or mudding at Plant Bamboo, but they also knew she would drop whatever she was doing to lighten a moment or tend to a wounded heart. Kids in the neighborhood and the Lokerson cousins knew that Jess was the best kind of playmate. She'd create games or chase them in the yard. They climbed on her back and into her lap, knowing that Jessica might tickle them or turn them upside down. She was their playmate and equal. Jessica's confidant was her Gammy. The two of them planned outings, went to get their nails painted in wild designs, and wore jewelry as bright as their personalities. We know the two of them are together now, looking their best and chasing butterflies. Pop Pop was Jessica's ally. He defended her when others teased and loved her when she felt defeated. Jessica loved him back just as fiercely. Jessica, Justyn, and Beth were a constant pack. They loved one another and looked out for each other, despite plenty of teasing about tattoos. Justyn's friends became Jessica's extra older brothers. Jessica and Justyn picked on one another, like siblings are supposed to do, but at the end of the day they shared car rides, sat next to one another at the dinner table, and found peace in their shared home. Beth holds her children close, letting them both know that her joy is in sharing a home, time, and life with one another. She coached Jessica through life, giving Jessica the freedom to make her own choices and allowing her to become her very own person, as full of opinions and liveliness as she wanted to be. From holding Jessica the first time, to getting tattoos together, to concert-going, to playing pool (of course she always won), to making him adopt Pistol the cat, to talking about anything and everything even at 1 AM, Mike and Jessica had a special relationship. Jessica's cousins Emma, Will, and Charles adored Jessica. Despite age differences, she was the first to jump in the pool with them or lead them in an Easter egg hunt. She taught Emma the perfect smile for selfies, and she encouraged Will to break into a grin every now and then. Charles could make Jessica little again; they made silly faces and laughed hard during board games. And, Jessica loved her pets, from the sweet cocker spaniel Copper to the hand-biting hamsters; from rescued Memphis to imprinted baby ducks. She nurtured strays and brought home those who were forgotten. Jessica is preceded in death by her beloved grandmother Carole Applegate. Jessica is survived by her mother, Beth Matejka, her father Mike Matejka, her brother Justyn Matejka, her grandfather William Applegate, her uncle and aunt, Bill and Sarah Applegate, and her cousins Emma, Will, and Charles Applegate. Countless friends, not-so-distant cousins, and friends who are as close as family survive her as well. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to RU4ME Cat Rescue (https://ru4mepetrescue.rescuegroups.org or P.O. Box 6221, Lake Worth, FL. 33466.) or Big Dog Ranch Rescue (14444 Okeechobee Blvd, Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470 or www.bdrr.org). All are invited to join the Matejka and Applegate families as we honor Jessica's life and share stories of remembrance at the Florida Gardens Clubhouse at 134 Ohio Road. Lake Worth, FL 33467 on Sunday, September 25, 2022 from 1-4 PM.