Elizabeth Jessup

A dear servant who radiated Christ, Elizabeth Jessup is now with her beloved Savior. Many have remarked how this lover of people brought light into every room she entered. A picture of joy and strength, she is now pain-free after a seven-year battle with cancer.

Elizabeth served Jesus and the mission of Young Life faithfully for decades alongside Dan, her husband of 42 years, as well as in her own unique roles. Elizabeth was the director of Amicus (Young Life's international student exchange program, where students came to the United States and lived with Christian families for a year) from 2006-2014. For the next five years she continued working at the Young Life Service Center through volunteering.

As her family wrote, “Elizabeth had the gift of hospitality, creating a warm and inviting home wherever she lived, including stops in Princeton, New Jersey; Sacramento, California; Colorado Springs, Colorado (her home of 25 years); and most recently Scottsdale, Arizona (where she was a patient at the Mayo Clinic). Her home was always open to any who needed one and the friends of her three boys. Elizabeth brought a depth of sincere love to every interaction.”

Young Life’s International Group Senior Vice President, Chad Edwards, said, “Elizabeth had an intentionality with people that had to be similar to how our Lord made people feel in a conversation. She was the most thoughtful gift giver and each gift held meaning, a story, and was accompanied with a note of encouragement. Through Amicus she built a strong team of dedicated staff and volunteers to care for students from around the globe. She was a prayer warrior, a wonderful encourager, and ultimately an example of how to show others the love of Jesus.”

“Elizabeth always had a way of welcoming and inviting anyone into her circle of love and acceptance,” said Michael Stain, a member of Young Life’s board of trustees. “I told her many times she had one of the top smiles in the mission! Heaven celebrated her entry into the Kingdom when she first met Jesus back in Santa Barbara, California, many years ago. The party continues with her promotion into his presence now. Elizabeth was a beautiful soul and great partner for our brother Dan, fueled by the Spirit to expand the Kingdom internationally in the mission of Young Life. We will miss her deeply.”

Susan Crenshaw, wife of Young Life’s president, Newt, met Elizabeth when the Crenshaws moved to Colorado Springs. “From the time I moved here, Elizabeth was a dear friend to me. She loved the song And Can it Be. It was one we would sing together and refer to often. I am praising God for my dear sister and friend, and that she now knows face-to-face the Savior who is and was to her amazing love, and in whom she is alive forever, clothed in righteousness divine. Her chains fell off,​ her heart is free, and she has claimed the crown through Christ her own.”

Elizabeth is survived by Dan, sons Taylor (Janelle), Kevin (Andrew), Brian (Haley), and her grandchildren Everett, Ainsley, and Ellery. Elizabeth’s life will be celebrated at two memorial services; please see details below.

Dan shared this parting thought. “Thank you all for your prayers these past seven years. I am fully confident they have allowed her and us to be able to stand and stay standing. If you have the bandwidth to keep praying for our family for this next lap we would be eternally grateful.”

Service Information

Service #1: Valley Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale, AZ, on November 23, 2024 (1 p.m. local time, reception to follow).
View details and RSVP.

Service #2: First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, CO, on December 5, 2024 (10:30 a.m. local time, reception to follow at The Pinery). All are welcome to join in remembering a remarkable woman who brought light and love to the world. If you’re able to attend, dress in bright colors and don’t be surprised if there’s a dance move or two.
View service details and RSVP; view reception details and RSVP.