Jessica Jane Stuart

Jessica Jane Stuart, 83, of Greenup, Kentucky passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Jane was born August 20, 1942, in Ashland, Kentucky and was the only child of poet & writer Jesse Stuart and Naomi Deane Norris Stuart.

Jane attended Stuart Hall preparatory school, Randolph–Macon College, the American University of Cairo, Egypt, and received her B.A. from Western Reserve University in Ohio. She later continued her education at Indiana University, where she received a master's degree in classical studies and a PhD in Italian literature.

Jane’s literary career began in her teens with the publication of a small volume of poetry, “A Year’s Harvest”. Later in her life, three of her novels and a collection of short stories were published by one of America’s leading publishing houses. Her work was well received and positively reviewed by The New York Times and other publications. She also published numerous translations of Dante and Montale and numerous poems and short stories in literary journals. Jane's literary prowess was recognized early in her life when–still in her 20s–she was listed in Who’s Who in America.

Jane taught creative writing and Italian literature at several universities including Haile Selassie I University, the University of Florida, and Flagler College.

Jane is survived by her two sons Conrad Stuart Juergensmeyer and his wife Cherity of Spring Hill, Florida and Erik Markstrom Norris Juergensmeyer and his wife Chiara of Durango, Colorado; five grandchildren Jesse Juergensmeyer of Durango, Colorado; Joshua Juergensmeyer and his wife Mary Jane of Ashville, North Carolina; Jonah Juergensmeyer of Tucson, Arizona; Jeremiah Juergensmeyer of Atlanta, Georgia; and Julia Juergensmeyer of Spring Hill, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to be the Jesse Stuart Foundation, 4440 13th St, Ashland, KY 41102.

A private family service will be held. Reed Funeral Home in Greenup, Kentucky has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences may be made at www.rlrfuneralhome.com.