Jessica Everett dies after writing columns for the Townsville Eye for five years as Jess Steele

A former Townsville Bulletin columnist who built a devoted fanbase with her funny tales about motherhood and the challenges of domestic life, is being mourned. Read the tributes from her family.

Townsville resident Jessica Everett, who wrote under the pen name Jess Steele for the Townsville Eye magazine, has died. Picture: Supplied.

A former Townsville Bulletin columnist who built a devoted readership with her “wicked sense of humour” and honesty, is being mourned after tragically dying last week.

Writing under the pen name of Jess Steele, Townsville resident Jessica Everett was introduced as columnist for the Townsville Eye magazine in 2014.

Described at the time as having “no filter, and even fewer boundaries”, she went on to share numerous tales in her Eye Reckon column about being a working mum of son Oscar, her pets, her love of beer and wine, and domestic challenges over the next five years.

She succumbed to a long-term illness in Townsville University Hospital on January 21, at the age of 43.

Her devastated parents Caroline and Neill Matthews described Jess as being very generous, protective, beautiful, friendly, kind, funny, and strong-willed, who loved cooking and was always making meals for people or buying them groceries when they didn’t have enough food.

“(She was) a great mother to her son Oscar, who is now 12. She was a real giver and a very kind person. If she could help someone, no matter her circumstances, she would help,” Ms Matthews said.

Columnist Jess Steele with her son Oscar in Charters Towers.

“She had a lot of ups and downs in her life, and her strong will was what got her through all of the hardships that she had. But this last one was bigger than her will, unfortunately.”

A talented writer who was recognised with awards from a young age, Jess’ knack for blogging attracted an explosion of audience interest, prompting former Townsville editor Jenna Cairney to offer her a gig as a columnist.

“People loved her column. They couldn’t wait to read it every week because she was so funny,” her mum said.

Jessica Everett wrote for the Townsville Eye under the pen name Jess Steele.

“People loved her honesty and the way she turned things that happened in her life into funny stories.

“She was a real champion of the underdog. She really fought for people and protected them and I think that’s how people will remember her. She could see the humour in life.”

Jess spent most of her life in Townsville, with her father remembering fondly how Jess and her sisters helped him clean Calvary Christian College to help pay for their school fees.

Jessica Everett and her dad Neill Matthews for the Townsville Eye.

From her first job at Target, her good work ethic was on display, which was carried through a variety of working roles which were largely focused on financial administration.

Her sister Sarah-Jane Stillwell remembered Jess as always being there for her to lean on through the tough times.

“She was always very funny, and obviously had a good way with words, which is why she became a writer,” Ms Stillwell said.

Townsville Eye columnist Jess Steele and son Oscar.

Jess Steele's son Oscar with one of the characters from the Towers Players Pantomime Sleeping Beauty and the Liquidator at the World Theatre.

“Even though things would have been really tough for her … being so sick in hospital … she still made us laugh right up to the end.”

Sister-in-law Jules MacColl said her brother Ian adored her and was heartbroken as they had only married in June 2024.

“As her new sister-in-law, I was so impacted by Jess for her thirst for fun, laughter, kindness, compassion, love for all and her strength,” Ms MacColl said.

Former Townsville Eye Columnist Jess Steele, also known as Jessica Everett.

“(Ian) was loving to Jess and she to him with the wonderful Oscar in the mix. Everyone who knew Jess, for a long or short time, felt her spirit and character and her compassion to ‘tell a story’ as she so often did with her column.”

Jess’ friends were encouraged to attend her funeral service at Morleys Funerals on Friday, January 31, at 2pm.

Originally published as Jessica Everett dies after writing columns for the Townsville Eye for five years as Jess Steele