Jessica Nicole Black's Obituary
Jessica Nicole (Henricksen) Black
November 9, 1986 - August 8, 2024
Jessica Black lost her valiant battle against colon cancer at the home she loved on August 8,
2024. She was 37 years old. Born in Salem, Oregon, Jessica was the first child to Jon and
Shelly Henricksen, followed by Cody and Cori. Jess grew up in Oregon City.
Jessica graduated from Oregon City High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Portland
State University. She enjoyed teaching young children tumbling and gymnastics, and spent her
free time watercolor painting, jewelry making, knitting, and spending time with family and
friends. She had a million hobbies and went all-in on each and every one. That’s just who she
was.
Jessica married her high school sweetheart, David Black, in 2011, and settled in Oregon City
near family and friends. The couple have two children, Lyla and Max. Jess thrived on family life
and spending time outdoors, becoming an avid runner, hiker, and camper, taking advantage of
every opportunity to be outside. Her favorite summer vacations were spent camping with her
children and father-in-law, Lynn Black. She loved hiking with David, and running with best friend
Stephanie VanBeever.
Jess was remarkably strong and brave in the face of stage-4 colon cancer. Each time bad news
came, she took a breath, set her shoulders and then plowed ahead. Her most frequent
companions during chemotherapy were David and her mother-in-law Maren Black. She and
Maren played countless games of cards. Maren once joked to a newbie in chemo that she let
Jess win because she had cancer; the other patient was horrified, which sent Jess into peals of
laughter. The nurses loved her. She was such a sunny, positive force.
Jess was effervescent, full of color and light.
Jessica is survived by husband David Black and children Lyla (10) and Max (8). She is also
survived by father Jon Henricksen, mother Shelly Henricksen and siblings Cody, Cori, and Cali,
as well as grandparents Wes and Judy Hutto, step-mother Chris Martin and step-siblings
Bradley, Mason, and Karly Martin. She will be missed by in-laws Lynn, Maren, and Avery Black,
whose lives were interwoven with hers for more than 20 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, September 1, 2024, at the Pioneer Community
Center, 615 5th Street, Oregon City, from 2-4 p.m.
What’s your fondest memory of Jessica?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jessica?
Share a story where Jessica's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jessica you’ll never forget.
How did Jessica make you smile?