ATHENS- Jessica “Jesi” Joelyn Poffenbarger, 46, of Hartford, WV, formerly of Athens passed away July 26, 2026 at 12:17 a.m. at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, WV after a brief illness. Born Monday, April 14, 1980 in Athens, she was the daughter of Elaine (Mark Goins) Bricker of Athens and Wade (Ronda) Poffenbarger II of Albany.
A 1998 graduate of Athens High School, she was employed at various jobs including Elder Beerman, Farmer’s Bank, Applebee’s and Sonic. She loved hunting mushrooms, crafting, drawing fashion designs, and spending time with her beloved daughter Valencia.
Jesi is survived, in addition to her parents, by her daughter, Valencia Gonzalez of Athens; a brother, Wade (Emma) Poffenbarger III and their child Layne of Mishawaka, IN; a step brother, Jeremy (Tiffany) Sheets and their children Cory and Jordan of Athens; and her grandparents, Liz & Ray Baker of The Plains.
She is preceded in death by grandparents, Lin & William Bricker, Wade & Betty Poffenbarger and David West; and a grandfather, Ron Gilmore.
A funeral service will be conducted Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens with Rev. Tom Dishong officiating. Burial will be in Hilltop Cemetery, Millfield. Friends may call Tuesday 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. A gathering will be held at the Shade Community Center following the service on Wednesday. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.