Jennifer Escamilla, born August 2, 1968, passed away on August 25, 2026. She will be remembered as a warm, outgoing, and deeply caring woman whose beautiful smile and easy way with people made others feel comfortable almost instantly. Whether someone had known her for years or had only just met her, Jennifer had a gift for conversation, connection, and lifting the spirits of those around her. She carried a strong independent nature, a wonderful sense of humor, and a loving honesty that could encourage, comfort, and gently set someone back on the right path.

Education and perseverance were important parts of Jennifer’s life. She earned her high school diploma through Plainview ISD and continued her studies at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas, where she received her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She later went on to Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, earning her master’s degree in family counseling. She was proud of these achievements, especially because they represented a journey she had once doubted she could complete, yet through determination and strength, she did.

After graduating from Wayland, Jennifer accepted a position at the university as an academic advisor. She later took a position at Charter Plains as a counselor in the mental health field, where she was outstanding in her work because of her remarkable ability to talk to people so naturally and kindly. Her compassion, understanding, and openness served her well in a profession centered on helping others, and those qualities defined her both in her work and in her personal life.

Jennifer loved being with family and treasured the experiences they shared together. Some of the most cherished memories are of travels to new places and the joy of experiencing new things side by side. She loved the beach and any lake where she could swim, and one especially treasured memory is seeing her stand on the beach in San Diego, looking out at the Pacific Ocean for the first time. Family trips to Possum Kingdom Lake for camping and fishing brought many happy times together. She often spoke of younger days spent on camping and fishing trips with family, and that love of the outdoors stayed with her throughout her life. She enjoyed swimming, riding horses whenever she had the chance, and roaming the countryside to explore her surroundings.

She also found joy in quieter pleasures. Jennifer enjoyed painting as a way to relax, a love connected to her Granny. She liked watching her favorite shows, cheering on the Houston Texans and Texas Tech Red Raiders, listening to her favorite songs, and spending time gardening. Even when the garden did not always cooperate, she kept trying, bringing the same persistence to it that she brought to the rest of her life.

Among Jennifer’s greatest joys was her daughter, Heather, whom she loved with all her heart and considered her greatest accomplishment. She was also proud of earning her college degrees and of each wedding anniversary she celebrated, milestones that reflected her devotion, endurance, and love for the life she built with those closest to her.

She was a woman of deep faith who trusted in God throughout her life.

Jennifer is survived by her husband, Paul Escamilla; her daughter, Heather Escamilla; her daughter-in-law, Meighan Valles; and her mother, Alicia Cooper. She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters, Julie Loveless and Jill Jones. Julie and her husband, Brandon Loveless, shared in the family circle that meant so much to Jennifer. She is further survived by Gary and Jennifer Cooper, Jeff and Leona Paddock, Robert and Debbie Cooper, and by her cousin, Janet Cooper. Each of them held a special place in her life, and her love for her family was steady, protective, and sincere.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Raymond and Polly Cooper, whose memory remained part of the family story Jennifer carried with her.

Jennifer Escamilla will be remembered for her laughter, her strength, her compassion, and the way she made people feel seen and welcomed. Her love for family, her determination, and her generous spirit leave a lasting memory in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.